The Galápagos tortoises are one of two insular radiations of giant tortoises that still survive to the modern day; the other is Aldabrachelys gigantea of Aldabra and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, …

There are two types of Galápagos tortoises: the largest, with big, round shells, called “domes,” and smaller kinds of tortoises with shells that curl up in front like a saddle and are called “saddlebacks.”

A huge decline in the population of Galapagos tortoise was caused through their exploitation by whalers and fur traders, who discovered that these giant tortoises could live for months on their ships without …

What is a Galápagos tortoise? There are 13 living species of Galápagos tortoises, which are also sometimes called giant tortoises.

Aug 18, 2025 · Discover how Galápagos Conservancy and partners are restoring the tortoises of Galápagos, as featured in National Geographic.

4 days ago · By the Galápagos Conservancy Talking about giant tortoises in Galápagos also means talking about the people who have spent decades studying and protecting them. Among the most …

Basic facts about Galápagos Tortoise: lifespan, distribution and habitat map, lifestyle and social behavior, mating habits, diet and nutrition, population size and status.

4 days ago · Santa Cruz is the home of the Galapagos National Park headquarters, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Rearing Centre. Here, the endemic …

Giant tortoises live exclusively on the Galápagos Islands, 1,000 kilometers (over 600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador in South America. Scientists believe the tortoises arrived from mainland South America …

Galápagos tortoises, also known as Galápagos giant tortoises, are the world’s largest tortoises. They weigh up to 400 kg (882 lb.) and measure up to 1.8 m (70 in.) long.