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The story of a famous tortoise - Lonesome George

Lonesome George on Pinta island
© Ole Hammon

Introduction

Learning objectives

  • To understand the term conservation.
  • Explore the history of Lonesome George and tortoises on the island of Pinta.
  • To understand why he became a conservation icon for the Galapagos Islands.

Students’ outcomes

  • To explain the term conservation and its importance.
  • To explain why the exploitation of tortoises led to Lonesome George being the only one of his subspecies left.
  • To explain his importance to the field of conservation.

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