Skip navigation
16/02/2016 News

New Species of Giant Tortoise to be Bred in Captivity

A new captive breeding program has been initiated in Galapagos for a recently discovered species of Galapagos giant tortoise...

Photograph of Holly Forsyth

Holly Forsyth

Former Communications Assistant at Galapagos Conservation Trust

A new captive breeding program has been initiated in Galapagos for the recently discovered species of Galapagos giant tortoise, Chelonoidis donfaustoi.

Chelonoidis donfaustoi was formally described as a new species in October 2015, after genetic testing confirmed it was a different species from Chelonoidis porteri. The Galapagos National Park (GNP) have initiated this new captive breeding program to ensure the conservation of this species which is only found on the eastern side of Santa Cruz.

Blog, Eastern Santa Cruz tortoise © Washington Tapia

Chelonoidis donfaustoi © Washington Tapia

Since this is a newly described species, there is little information known on the population status, but studies carried out by the GNP and the Ministry of Environment, indicate that there are few individuals and in a very limited range. Walter Bustos, Director of the GNP, said the environmental authority decided to increase conservation efforts because of the threat of introduced species such as feral pigs and fire ants.

The program began with scientists and rangers locating nests of this species. Then, 97 eggs, and 2 newly hatched tortoises were collected during a monitoring trip in the last week of January, and were transferred to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre on Santa Cruz island. Here they will be monitored until approximately 5 years of age. They will then be returned to their place of origin as, by this age, they will no longer be vulnerable to the impact of the pigs and fire ants.

Fredy Villalva, head of the breeding centre, said that rangers monitor nests in the area of each species, and when the eggs are collected, they are only moved when they are in the final phase of the incubation process, so that they will only be in the incubator for a month. Villalva also said that the 2 hatchlings will spend 15 days in the dark box when they first arrive at the centre to replicate the nesting process in the wild.


 

Translated from a press release with permission from the Galapagos National Park.

Related articles

GCT's Tom O'Hara, Hannah Rickets and Dr Jen Jones with Stephen Fry for the BBC Radio 4 Appeal recording
10th Nov 2024
News Plastic pollution

GCT Ambasador Stephen Fry presents BBC Radio 4 Appeal

Actor, broadcaster, writer and bona fide national treasure Stephen Fry raises the plight of Galapagos giant tortoises and the threat of plastic pollution in this week's BBC Radio 4 Appeal.
Read more
Galapagos giant tortoise eating fruit
29th Oct 2024
Biodiversity loss Research

Understanding the movements of giant tortoises: an interview with Cristian Peñafiel

Cristian Peñafiel, field assistant working at the Charles Darwin Foundation, shares his experience studying one of the Archipelago's most iconic residents.
Read more
Galapagos giant tortoise in pond
18th Apr 2024
Island restoration Rewilding

Double your donation to rewild Galapagos with the Big Give

We're taking part in the Big Give Green Match Fund campaign, raising money to rewild the Galapagos Islands. For one week only, every donation you make will be doubled, up to an amazing £10,000!
Read more
Floreana giant tortoise
12th Apr 2024
Island restoration Rewilding

The return of the Floreana giant tortoise

The remarkable story of the Floreana giant tortoise, a species that the world thought was lost forever.
Read more

Get the latest news from Galapagos

Join our mailing list to receive our monthly email newsletter, bringing you the latest news on Galapagos and our work to protect the Islands.

Hidden
Share This Page