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Giant Tortoise Thought Extinct for Over a Century Rediscovered in Galapagos

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A giant tortoise species that was believed to have been extinct for more than a century has been rediscovered in the Galapagos. In 2019, scientists found an adult female tortoise on Fernandina Island. Traces of tortoise - bitten cacti on the island suggest that there may be other members of the same species

The last time a Fernandina giant tortoise was seen was in 1906. For over 100 years, no one had sighted this species, leading to the assumption of its extinction, likely due to volcanic eruptions and human activities. However, the discovery of the female tortoise, nicknamed “Fernanda”, changed everything. Yale University scientists confirmed through genetic testing that Fernanda belongs to the long - lost Fernandina giant tortoise species.

This discovery is of great significance. According to Dr. James Gibbs, a tortoise expert, rediscovering this lost species may be a timely opportunity to save it. The Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Conservancy plan to launch a series of expeditions to search for more tortoises on Fernandina Island. If a male tortoise of the same species is found, they will be paired at the giant tortoise breeding center in an attempt to revive the species.