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

Galápagos: An unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience

During a trip to the Galapagos Islands, you will be constantly surrounded by breathtaking natural settings, secluded beaches, and unique wildlife. It’s all about the untouched, natural and rare wildlife in the Galapagos. You can do everything from swimming with sea lions and turtles, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, kayaking, meeting giant tortoises, and snorkelling with penguins (the only wild penguins found north of the equator) to watching marine iguanas, waved albatross mating, and blue footed boobies, among other exceptional species.

One of the most important islands is Puerto Ayora and it is considered the “urban center” of the Galápagos. A 40-minute hike through a dry, prickly pear forest takes you to Tortuga Bay – one of the archipelago’s finest beaches. Here in Puerto Ayora lies the wonderful Villa Escalesia, a spacious, locally designed villa with all the comforts of home and uninterrupted sea views out to Santa Fe Island. Just a short boat ride away is South Plaza Island, or Isla Plaza Sur, considered one of the richest in terms of plant and animal life, offering plenty to see in a day trip. It was created by lava that tilted up the seabed, and is home to an amazing variety of birds, a colony of sea lions, lava lizards, and land iguanas.

Based on government regulation, several islands are only accessible by cruise and some have very limited access. In Isabela Island, a special Galapagos National Park (G.N.P.) permit must be granted before accessing one of the most interesting and diverse sites in Galapagos: the Alcedo Volcano. Once in the island, you get to hike along a path leading from the landing zone to the caldera of the volcano. The time of ascent to the caldera is between 6 and 7 hours and the total trip is 14km. Along the trail the attractions are diverse, from the large population of giant tortoises that congregate in pools, landscapes, active fumaroles, ancient craters, lava flows and numerous endemic birds. The species present in this volcano is the largest population in relation to other species in the Galapagos Islands.

My favorite activities take place in San Cristobal, in a day you can visit Kicker Rock and Manglesito camping site. Kicker Rock is a magnificent island in the middle of the sea. Access to the island is refused because it is still unspoilt but is the best site for world class snorkeling due to the vast variety of wildlife found there. Once back in San Cristobal, during the evening it is ideal to head to Manglesito camping site as it is possible to embark on an exclusive sea kayak expedition to witness the amazing bioluminescent phenomenon. Bioluminescence occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as in some fungi, microorganisms including some bioluminescent bacteria and terrestrial invertebrates such as fireflies.