This
page contains photos of the Galapagos Giant Tortoise and the Sea
Turtle. The name Galapagos originated from the Spanish word meaning
saddle after the saddle backed tortoises once found in abundance
on the islands. The Galapagos Giant Tortoise may weigh up to 250kg.and
are the largest living tortoises in the world. They are vegetarians
and eat a variety of plants. Giant tortoises are known for their
water storage abilities and drought resistance. They can go for
long periods without food or water by metabolizing the fat in their
bodies. As a result, during whaling times in the 1800's, tortoises
were a main source of fresh meat for sailors. They were stored upside
down in the holds of ships, staying alive for up to a year without
food or water. As a result of hunting, many species of Giant Tortoises
on the Galapagos are extinct or close to extinction, with some islands
having lost all or most of their Giant Tortoise population. The
Darwin Research Center has a program to try to reintroduce and repopulate
some of those islands. The most famous of these is Lonesome George,
the last of his species from Pinto Island. At over 80 years of age,
the Research Center is attempting to breed George with females from
another island, but so far to no avail.
The Pacific Green Sea Turtle is not endemic to the Galapagos. It
is a common sight when snorkeling around the islands. Females come
a shore during breeding season to lay their eggs in the sand.
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Fred at Darwin Research Station Entrance
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Lonesome George chased by a female!
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Baby Giant Tortoises bred at Darwin Research
Station
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Dinner Time
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A Shy One
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Carsons Enjoying the Giant Tortoises
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Photographers shooting giant tortoise with
vermillion flycatcher on his back
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Giant Tortoise and Vermillion Flycatcher
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Vermillion Flycatcher on Giant Tortoise
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Whatcha Lookin' At?
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Giant Tortoise finds a Meal
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Giant Tortoises Enjoy Watering Hole
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Sea Turtle Seen While Snorkeling
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Sea Turtle Thinks About Coming Ashore
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Sea Turtle Nesting Area
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