About 150 last giant tortoises have been released to Floreana Island in Ecuador’s Galápagos archipelago for the restoration of the island’s depleted ecosystem.
The 158 tortoises, aged 8 to 13, that have been released on Friday carry between 40% and 80% of the genetic makeup of the Chelonoidis niger, a species that has been extinct for 150 years, Associated Press quoted Christian Sevilla, director of ecosystems of the Galapagos National Park. The newcomers have been released just ahead of the season’s first winter rains.
“They are large enough to be released and can defend themselves against introduced animals such as rats and cats," said Fredy Villalba, director of the Galápagos National Park breeding center on Santa Cruz Island. He added that the best specimens with the strongest lineage were selected specifically for Floreana.
According to AFP, the released juvenile specimens, out of a total of 700 planned for Floreana, will be introduced gradually.
The lineage of these hybrids have been traced to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island.
Floreana is an island of approximately 173 square kilometres. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it is a volcanic landmass and the southernmost point of the Galápagos archipelago. The United Nations designated the Galápagos Islands as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1978.
About two centuries ago, the island was home to approximately 20,000 giant tortoises. However, whaling, a devastating fire, and relentless human exploitation eventually led to their complete extinction on the island.
According to AP, the tortoises reintroduced to Floreana will share their territory with a diverse population of nearly 200 people alongside flamingos, iguanas, penguins, sea gulls and hawks.
“In genetic terms, reintroducing a species to that island with a significant genetic component of the original species is vital," AP quoted biologist Washington Tapia.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
