For the first time in over 180 years, large tortoises are once again moving freely on Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago of Ecuador.
A total of 158 juvenile hybrids were reintroduced to the island by scientists and local park rangers as part of a captive breeding program that began in 2017. This initiative aims to revive the population of giant tortoises on the island, which was decimated by whalers, a devastating fire, and human exploitation in the 1840s, leading to the extinction of the Floreana tortoise species.
Conservation biologist James Gibbs expressed his joy at witnessing the release of the young tortoises, comparing it to watching his own children take their first steps. The tortoises, expected to reach weights of up to 600 pounds in the next couple of decades, are part of a planned release of 700 individuals on Floreana Island.
According to Christina Sevilla, the director of ecosystems at the Galapagos National Park, these juveniles carry a significant genetic resemblance to the extinct Floreana species, making their reintroduction crucial for the island’s ecosystem.
Biologist Washington Tapia emphasized that beyond increasing numbers, the reintroduction effort is about rebuilding a lost lineage. The hope is that these newcomers, aged between eight and 13 years and weighing between 30 to 50 pounds, will contribute to rejuvenating the island’s habitat over time, considering their potential lifespan of over a century.
The release of the tortoises was a challenging but rewarding process, with Gibbs and park rangers carrying the juveniles uphill in hot conditions before setting them free in designated release sites. The tortoises now coexist on Floreana Island with a diverse range of wildlife and human inhabitants, as well as invasive species introduced by humans, posing potential threats to the tortoises’ survival.
To monitor the tortoises’ movements and ensure their well-being, each one has been equipped with GPS trackers. This technology allows researchers to track the tortoises’ activities in real time, ensuring they adapt well to their new or, in a sense, old home on Floreana Island.