Estimated giant tortoises population in San Cristóbal exceeds six thousand

In November, a team of 70 Galapagos National Park rangers set out to complete the very first comprehensive giant tortoise census ever. Chelonoidis chatamensis, the giant tortoise species native to San Cristóbal Island, is one of the least known of the 11 species that still inhabit the Galapagos.

The expedition was organised into 14 camps, each responsible of exploring a specific section of the island. South Expeditions had the privilege of collaborating in this wonderful project.

After collecting the necessary data, it is estimated that there are approximately 6700 giant tortoises in San Cristóbal Island. There was a high percentage of juvenile and female tortoises, which in ecological term, evidences the recovery process for this species. From a genetics perspective, blood samples have determined the population is healthy.

The Minister of Environment, Walter García said: "The results of this great research are excellent news for Ecuador and the whole world; it shows that the protective actions, which were implemented by the environmental authority and executed by the rangers, have been effective”. There is work being done around all turtle populations but studying lesser known species, such as the Chelonoidis chatamensis, will provide a clearer picture in order to determine which would be the best course of action to guarantee their conservation and ecosystem.

In addition, the expedition led to discovering/locating Calandrinia galapagosa and Lecocarpus leptolobus, endemic plant species that are in critical danger of extinction.

Information provided by the GALÁPAGOS NATIONAL PARK