How to track a tortoise

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Science Wildlife studies

This activity introduces students to the life of a conservationist in the field. Find out about the scientific research methods used and the challenges they face. Resources in English and Spanish.

Radio telemetry to track giant tortoises

Introduction English resources Spanish resources Related resources

Attaching a GPS tracker to a Galapagos giant tortoise

Introduction

Learning objectives

To know about how science is carried out in the field and the research methods used.
To understand the importance of research in aiding conservation projects.

Students’ outcomes

To explain the research techniques that scientists use on the Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Programme.
To discuss the importance of continued scientific research.

Resources in English

How to track a tortoise

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Resources in Spanish

Como rastrear una tortuga

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Science

The Marine Iguana magazine

Welcome to Galapagos Conservation Trust’s Marine Iguana magazine. Discover more about one of the most iconic animals of Galapagos – the marine iguana. Resource in English.

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Science

All about tortoises learning pack

This pack introduces students to the evolutionary history, ecology, behaviours and threats facing giant tortoises in Galapagos. Resources in English and Spanish.

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Project-updates-Tortoises-on-the-slopes-of-Alcedo-volcano-©-GTMEP-scaled

Science

Galapagos giant tortoise - Introductory Lesson

This activity introduces students to the history of the Galapagos giant tortoise. Resources in English.

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Science

The story of a famous tortoise - Lonesome George

This activity will help students familiarise themselves with the story of Lonesome George, the famous Galapagos giant tortoise, and why he became famous worldwide. Resources in English.

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Diego-the-tortoise-back-on-Espanola-©-Andres-Cruz-GTRI-Galapagos-Conservancy

7th Nov 2025

History of Galapagos

The life of Diego the giant tortoise

In June 2020, a very special giant tortoise set foot on his native island of Española after an absence of 86 years.

14th Aug 2025

Island restoration Research

Protecting tortoises from chemical pollution

We spoke to PhD student Georgie Savage about her fieldwork investigating the impacts of chemical pollutants on giant tortoises and their habitats, and how her research can benefit conservation plans.

Aldabra giant tortoise on a beach in the Seychelles

13th Jun 2025

Evolution and genetics Island restoration

Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises: A shared evolutionary story

We take a look at the parallel histories of Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises, and the ways in which both are now helping to restore island ecosystems.

30th Apr 2025

Wildlife studies

Viral prevalence in giant tortoises: An interview with Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar

We spoke to Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar at the Charles Darwin Foundation about her research, partly funded by GCT, looking at the presence and prevalence of infectious agents in giant tortoises.

How to track a tortoise

Introduction

Learning objectives

Students’ outcomes

Resources in English

How to track a tortoise

Available downloads

Resources in Spanish

Como rastrear una tortuga

Available downloads

More resources like this

The Marine Iguana magazine

All about tortoises learning pack

Galapagos giant tortoise - Introductory Lesson

The story of a famous tortoise - Lonesome George

Related articles

The life of Diego the giant tortoise

Protecting tortoises from chemical pollution

Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises: A shared evolutionary story

Viral prevalence in giant tortoises: An interview with Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar

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