Giant tortoises return to Galápagos island after nearly 200 years
BBC World
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Giant tortoises have returned to Floreana island in the Galápagos archipelago after nearly two centuries of absence, marking a historic milestone in conservation efforts. The reintroduction of 158 juvenile giant tortoises, part of the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate, signifies hope for ecosystem restoration and species recovery. This initiative aims to reverse the extinction of Chelonoidis niger niger, a subspecies native to Floreana that was driven to extinction in the 1840s due to human exploitation.
The project began in 2017 when scientists discovered hybrid tortoises on Isabela island's Wolf Volcano with genetic links to the extinct Floreana species. By selecting and breeding 23 of these hybrids, conservationists have successfully produced over 600 hatchlings since 2008, with hundreds now reaching a size suitable for release into the wild. This collaborative effort, involving scientists, charities, and local communities, has validated decades of dedicated work.
The reintroduction of giant tortoises is not just about restoring a species but also about reviving an entire ecosystem. These "ecosystem engineers" play a crucial role in shaping landscapes through their foraging behavior, which helps maintain plant diversity and soil health. Their return to Floreana highlights the potential for similar restoration projects on other islands, offering a beacon of hope for global conservation efforts.
This achievement underscores the importance of collaborative conservation initiatives and the enduring impact they can have on preserving biodiversity. The success of the Floreana project not only brings back a lost species but also demonstrates how human intervention can help repair the damage caused by historical exploitation. As these tortoises begin to roam freely once again, they symbolize resilience and the possibility of ecological renewal in even the most challenging circumstances.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026