Floreana giant tortoise reintroduced to Galápagos island after almost 200 years

The Guardian World

by Patrick Barkham

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Floreana giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger niger), a subspecies once native to the Galápagos island of Floreana but driven to extinction in the 1840s by whalers seeking food, has been successfully reintroduced after nearly two centuries. This groundbreaking effort marks the first time these giant tortoises have roamed Floreana since their disappearance, raising hopes for restoring the island’s delicate ecosystem. The subspecies was decimated when whalers captured thousands of them as a food source during their hunting voyages. Their absence has left a significant ecological gap, as giant tortoises play a crucial role in shaping their environments by dispersing seeds and maintaining plant growth. The reintroduction program, known as "back breeding," utilized partial descendants from other Galápagos islands to recreate the Floreana subspecies, demonstrating the potential of conservation science to reverse historical biodiversity losses. This initiative highlights the importance of preserving endangered species and reviving lost populations. By bringing back the Floreana giant tortoise, scientists aim to restore the island’s ecosystem balance and ensure its long-term health. The project also serves as a model for similar efforts worldwide, showcasing how innovative breeding programs can help combat extinction and promote biodiversity conservation.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026