Ecuador Reintroduces 158 Juvenile Giant Tortoises to Floreana Island

Overview

• The cohort originated from the Galápagos National Park breeding center and was chosen for a high Chelonoidis niger genetic contribution linked to Floreana via Isabela.
• Each tortoise underwent quarantine and received a microchip, and rangers carried the crates roughly seven kilometers over volcanic terrain to designated release sites.
• The released animals are 8 to 13 years old after captive rearing intended to boost survival before facing natural predators and seasonal conditions.
• Officials report 158 tortoises were released in this first phase, and monitoring has begun to track survival, movement and vegetation responses.
• The program forms part of a long‑term restoration plan for Floreana that envisions about 700 tortoises over time and includes efforts to return 12 other endemic species.