Giant tortoises have made a remarkable return to Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago after an absence of over 180 years. A group of 158 juvenile hybrids were reintroduced last week as part of a captive breeding program that began in 2017 to revive the population of these iconic creatures on the island.
Conservation biologist James Gibbs likened the event to witnessing his own children’s first steps, as the energetic young tortoises eagerly explored their new surroundings upon release. The juveniles, expected to reach up to 600 pounds in weight over the next two decades, represent a significant genetic connection to the extinct Floreana species.
The reintroduction of the tortoises is not just about increasing numbers but also about restoring a lost lineage, emphasized biologist Washington Tapia. The hope is that these newcomers, aged between eight and 13 years and weighing 30 to 50 pounds, will contribute to the ecological rejuvenation of the island over their potentially century-long lifespans.
The release operation was a laborious but heartfelt process, with park rangers carrying the hefty juveniles on their backs up the slopes of the volcanic island to their designated release sites. Divided into two groups, the tortoises were set free in different areas of the island, where they now coexist with a variety of wildlife and face challenges from non-native species introduced by humans.
To monitor the tortoises’ progress, each one has been equipped with GPS trackers, enabling researchers to track their movements in real-time. The team will continue to observe the tortoises closely to ensure their successful integration into their “new” old home on Floreana Island.