Giant Tortoise

The giant tortoise, known scientifically as Chelonoidis spp, is endemic to the Galápagos Islands meaning it is not found anywhere else on the planet. These gentle reptiles are arguably the islands' most famous inhabitants, the archipelago itself being named after them - 'galápago' translating to 'tortoise' in Spanish.

Living up to 100 years old, giant tortoises have a slow pace of life, spending around 16 hours per day resting, the other time spent grazing on grass, fruits and cactus pads. With a slow metabolism, they are great at conserving energy which means they can survive up to a year without water or food. You can often spot the mutual relationship that has developed between the islands' small birds and the tortoises, where they sit on their backs pecking out ticks to groom them, which in turn provides food for the birds.

The endemic reptiles are found on several of the larger islands but the biggest populations can be seen in the Santa Cruz highlands and on Isabela's Alcedo volcano. In the rainy season, you can see them migrating to lower ground to nest and forage on new vegetation.

Giant tortoises are active all year round, so whenever you visit you will likely see them relaxing in the sun or bathing in shallow waters. They are most active at midday in the dry season and early morning or late afternoon in the wet season. 

[Check out this guide on best time of year to see different animal activity.]

Giant tortoises are best seen during land-based activities, whether that be hiking, relaxing on the beach or photography excursions. They stay on land and follow yearly migration cycles, moving from highlands to lowlands for a few months, then back up to the highlands. It is possible to witness this migration if you visit during the wet season.

Threats

Giant tortoises are considered and endangered species as a result of years of human exploitation. At least two species of giant tortoise are thought to have gone extinct – including the Pinta tortoise. The last known survivor named Lonesome George passed away in June 2012.

• They provided a source of fresh meat on ships as they could be kept alive for long periods without food or water which killed well over 100,000 tortoises on the islands.
• The introduction of various non-native species also had devastating effects, with many tortoises, and their eggs, making for easy prey for rats and dogs. They also compete for food with goats and nests are sometimes trampled by larger mammals.
• Human-made barriers can affect their migration routes, with obstacles such as farmland fencing and roads being erected across the islands.

Conservation Efforts

• At the Charles Darwin Research Station, eggs are collected and incubated. Newly hatched tortoises are kept in captivity until they are big enough to escape attacks from rats and dogs once released. 
• Eradication campaigns are aiming to remove the non-native species that humans introduced to the islands that threaten the survival of tortoises. 
• The Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Program is researching to improve our understanding of giant tortoise migration. Using this research, effective management plans can be put in place so as to not interfere with their natural migration routes.