Status: Vulnerable
Geographic region: Galapagos
Islands (East Pacific Ocean)
Meaning of name: Saddle Tortoise (Spanish)
Habitat:Coastal fringes and high lands of the
Galapagos Islands
Threats:Introduced feral animals
Left in wild: Approximately 19,000
One of the longest living animals on earth - Galapogas Tortoise, Perth Zoo |
There
are 14 known sub species of the Galapagos Tortoise of which 10 still live in
the wild. Research is being conducted to identify specific genetics within
population groups. Recently a sub species called the Floreana Tortoise, thought
to be extinct for over 150 years, has possibly been rediscovered on the Wolf
Volcano on the Galapagos Islands.
The
Galapagos Tortoise is the largest tortoise in the world, growing to a length of
150cm. They are also the longest living vertebrae in the world and can live up
to 100 plus years in the wild and have been known to live over 150 years in
captivity.
Galapagos
Tortoises’ have a very slow metabolism and can go long periods without food. When
they do eat they enjoy flowers, native fruits and leaves. The males can be very
territorial especially during the mating season.
Galapagos Tortoise Perth Zoo |
Stu’s Zoo Pick for Galapagos Tortoise
With
so many zoos participating in successful breeding programs and repopulation schemes
of the Galapagos Tortoise, I thought I would focus on some of the more famous
individuals. Here are a few that have touched many hearts - to become priceless
ambassadors for their species.
Harriet (Oldest recorded of her species)
Harriet
was hatched around 1830 on the Galapagos Islands and was collected by Charles
Darwin to be taken back to England in 1835. In1842 Harriet arrived in Brisbane
and lived in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens for over 100 years. Harriet spent
the last two decades of her life at Australia Zoo in Queensland, where she
became somewhat of a national treasure. In 2005 Harriet turned 175 years old
and there was a huge celebration including thousands of party guests, tortoise
shaped birthday cake and a huge international media contingency. Harriet was happiest
when munching on her favourite red hibiscus flowers. Harriet passed away on 23rd
of June 2006 leaving behind many admirers of her species and an impressive life
story.
Lonesome George – (Last of his sub species)
George
was rescued from Pinta Island in 1971 after a wild goat population decimated
the food source on the island. The island was meticulously searched for any
other surviving species of the Pinta tortoise with no results. The Pinta
tortoise a sub species of the Galapagos Tortoise was declared a functionally
extinct species with George being the sole survivor.
Although
many efforts were made to mate George with other female sub species they were
all unsuccessful. George passed away in 2012, found by his caretaker of 40
years. He died of heart failure and as the last of his species. George was
estimated to be over 100 years old.
NJ – (First Galapagos Tortoise hatched in Australasia)
NJ
was hatched at Western Plain Zoo, Dubbo, Australia in 2011 and was the first
hatchling born in captivity in Australasia.
NJ’s gender will not be known for several years (hence the obscure
name).
NJ’s
Mother was 90 at the time of NJ’s birth. As a hatchling NJ weighed 87 grams and
will grow up in 30 years to a massive 256 kilos.
What an interesting post, thanks for sharing. I will bookmark it in order to keep it, and have it also sent to my grandson who is fund of animals ... Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed - they are such a unique animal
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