Lifeline for extinct Galapagos tortoise

Abstract

A species of giant tortoise unique to Floreana Island in the Galapagos and considered extinct since the 19th century could soon be brought back from the dead. Galapagos giant tortoises are often divided into 15 species, 11 of which survive today. The tortoise populations on all the islands were decimated after humans arrived in the archipelago and began loading them onto ships for their meat. Sailors also brought animals such as rats, which can eat young tortoises, and goats, which destroy the reptiles' habitat.