Giant Tortoise (Galapagos)

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Galapagos Giant Tortoise © GCT

    © Galapagos Conservation Trust

     

  • Galapagos Wildlife: Galapagos Giant Tortoise © David Tozer

    © David Tozer

     

Species Data

Common Name Galapagos giant tortoise
Scientific Name Chelonoidis spp.
Spanish Name Tortuga gigante de Galapagos
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Vulnerable © Dan Wright

Vulnerable

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Endemic

Size Shells can reach up to 1.5m in length
Weight

Galapagos giant tortoises can weigh over 300kg!

Average Lifespan Thought to live for upwards of 100 years
Predators No natural predators (threatened by introduced species of pig, rat, dogs and hatchlings that prey upon eggs and hatchlings)
Food Grasses, flowers and cactus fruits (herbivores)
Animal Class Reptilia

Species Overview

The largest living species of tortoise on Earth, Galapagos giant tortoises can weigh up to 300 kg in the wild (even more in captivity) and are thought to live for approximately 100 years. There are at least 10 different species of giant tortoise in Galapagos, differing in size, shell shape and geographical distribution. Two distinct shell shapes are seen among species – domed and saddle-backed, which have evolved due to differences in the height of the vegetation they feed on.

The number of wild giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands has declined greatly. Their population was estimated to be around 250,000 in the 1500s when they were first discovered. However, the tortoises have been saved from extinction by captive breeding programs and it is hoped that conservation programs will continue to help their populations thrive.

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Species Data
Common Name Galapagos giant tortoise
Scientific Name Chelonoidis spp.
Spanish Name Tortuga gigante de Galapagos
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Vulnerable © Dan Wright

Vulnerable

Endemic / Native / Introduced

Endemic

Size Shells can reach up to 1.5m in length
Weight

Galapagos giant tortoises can weigh over 300kg!

Average Lifespan Thought to live for upwards of 100 years
Predators No natural predators (threatened by introduced species of pig, rat, dogs and hatchlings that prey upon eggs and hatchlings)
Food Grasses, flowers and cactus fruits (herbivores)
Animal Class Reptilia