Giant tortoise thought extinct 100 years ago is living in Galapagos, Ecuador says
"Ecuador confirmed...that a giant tortoise found in 2019 in the Galapagos Islands is a species considered extinct a century ago.
The Galapagos National Park is preparing an expedition to search for more of the giant tortoises in an attempt to save the species.
The turtle was found 2 years ago on Fernandina Island, one of the youngest & most pristine in the archipelago, during a joint expedition between the Galapagos National Park & the Galapagos Conservancy.
'Yale University revealed the results of genetic studies & the respective DNA comparison that was made with a specimen extracted in 1906,' the Galapagos Park said in a statement.
In the Galapagos Islands, which served as the basis for the British scientist Charles Darwin's theory of the evolution of species in the 19th century, many varieties of tortoises live together with flamingos, boobies, albatrosses, & cormorants, a family of species of aquatic birds.
It also houses a large amount of flora & fauna in danger of extinction.
'It was believed extinct more than 100 years ago! We have reconfirmed its existence,' Environment Minister Gustavo Manrique wrote on his Twitter account.
The current population of giant tortoises from various species is estimated at 60,000, according to data from the Galapagos National Park..."
Reuters
May 27/2021
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