Tortoise

Tag: Tortoise

Prolific Giant Tortoise “Diego” Saves his Species from Extinction

Research discovers that Diego the Giant Tortoise has helped to save his species from extinction by fathering hundreds of baby tortoises.  All was well with Espanola Giant Tortoises (Chelonoidis hoodensis) in the Galápagos–until invasive rats were introduced by pirates and infiltrated the island ecosystem. The presence of rats made reproduction extremely difficult and often unsuccessful […]

Written by on September 20, 2016

Spotlight on the Seychelles Islands: Beautiful and Under Siege by Invasive Species

Though they make up less than 5% of the world’s land mass, islands are home to 20% of bird, plant, and reptile species. The Seychelles Islands are among these major hotspots for biodiversity. Quarter-ton tortoises, minuscule frogs, charismatic birds and many other astonishing species have long lived together in the dazzling Seychelles landscape. However, hundreds of years of […]

Written by on April 29, 2016