After nearly two centuries, giant Galapagos tortoises have returned to Floreana Island in the Galapagos archipelago: specialists from the Galapagos National Park Directorate and environmental organizations released 158 young tortoises there, infohub.kz reports.
The population of this species was completely wiped out by sailors and whalers by the mid-19th century. However, scientists managed to restore the genetic lineage with the help of hybrid individuals found near Wolf Volcano on the neighboring island of Isabela and a long-term breeding program.
The operation to return the reptiles to their natural habitat required enormous physical effort from rangers and volunteers. Each tortoise, weighing between 13 and 22 kilograms, was transported in special backpack containers on their backs, trekking kilometers through rugged volcanic terrain and dense thickets.
Environmentalists note that giant tortoises play a key role in the island's ecosystem. As they move across the territory, they disperse plant seeds, shape vegetation cover, and create necessary conditions for other native species. Scientists intend to continue reintroduction programs to fully restore the archipelago's natural balance.