Last month, a significant conservation milestone was achieved as at least 170 captive-bred giant tortoises were released onto one of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, according to the Galapagos National Park.
The tortoises, known scientifically as Chelonoidis vicina, were nurtured at a breeding center located on Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. Their release aims to reintegrate them into the ecosystem of the southern territory, allowing these magnificent creatures to thrive in their natural habitat.
Before their release, these tortoises, aged between four and five years, had to meet specific criteria; they needed to reach a weight of 2 kilograms and a size of 30 centimeters. Each tortoise underwent a thorough quarantine and veterinary evaluation to ensure their health and readiness for this critical transition.
In its statement, the Galapagos National Park emphasized its ongoing commitment to bolstering endangered populations by continuing to release tortoises from breeding centers into their natural surroundings. “Thanks to these conservation initiatives, thousands of giant tortoises have successfully returned to their native habitats,” the park remarked, highlighting the positive impact of these efforts.
As we celebrate this success, it serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicated conservation work and the collective effort to protect our planet’s biodiversity.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
