Giant Tortoise Comeback: 158 Galapagos Tortoises Return to Floreana After 150 Years

In a historic conservation milestone, 158 juvenile giant tortoises have been successfully reintroduced to Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago after an absence of more than 150 years. This groundbreaking ecological restoration effort marks the return of a keystone species that disappeared from the island in the mid-1800s due to human activities, and represents the largest restoration project ever undertaken in the Galápagos.

What is the Floreana Giant Tortoise Reintroduction Project?

The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project is a comprehensive conservation initiative led by Ecuador's Ministry of Environment and Mines through the Galápagos National Park. The project aims to restore the island's native ecosystem by reintroducing 12 species that had disappeared from Floreana, with the giant tortoise being the first and most significant. The 158 tortoises released in February 2026 are 8 to 13 years old and represent the result of decades of genetic research and selective breeding from descendants discovered on Wolf Volcano with Floreana ancestry.

The Historical Extinction: How Did the Tortoises Disappear?

Two centuries ago, an estimated 20,000 giant tortoises roamed Floreana Island, but human activities led to their complete extinction by the mid-1800s. The primary causes included:

• Hunting by whalers and pirates: Tortoises were taken aboard ships as a food source since they could survive for months without food or water
• Introduced predators: Rats that arrived on ships preyed on tortoise eggs and hatchlings
• Habitat destruction: A devastating fire in 1820 caused by a whaling crew member destroyed much of the island's vegetation
• Competition from invasive species: Introduced goats and pigs altered the ecosystem

The extinction of the Floreana tortoise represents one of the earliest documented cases of human-caused species loss in the Galápagos, an archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution during his 1835 visit. Similar conservation challenges face other regions, as seen in the European rewilding initiatives currently underway across the continent.

The Genetic Resurrection: How Scientists Brought Them Back

Decades of Research and Breeding

Scientists made a remarkable discovery in the 1990s: some tortoises on Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island carried genetic markers of the extinct Floreana lineage. These animals were descendants of tortoises that whalers had transported between islands in the early 19th century. Using this genetic material, conservationists established a captive breeding program in 2017 that has now produced over 600 hatchlings.

NASA's Role in Habitat Selection

NASA scientists collaborated with the Galápagos National Park Directorate to identify optimal release sites using satellite data. 'We used NASA satellite imagery to locate areas with sufficient food, water sources, and suitable nesting sites to ensure the tortoises' long-term survival,' explained a project scientist. This technological approach represents a new frontier in wildlife conservation technology that's transforming how we protect endangered species.

The Release: February 2026 Milestone

On February 20, 2026, conservation teams released the 158 tortoises at two carefully selected sites on Floreana Island. The tortoises, weighing between 15-25 kilograms each, are large enough to defend themselves against remaining predators like rats and feral cats. The release followed a successful invasive species eradication campaign in 2023 that removed rodents and feral cats from the island.

'These tortoises are not just animals returning home—they're ecosystem engineers that will reshape the landscape,' said a Galápagos National Park official. 'Their grazing will create pathways, disperse seeds, and promote native plant growth, benefiting the entire ecosystem.'

Ecological Impact and Future Plans

Keystone Species Restoration

Giant tortoises play a crucial role as keystone species in Galápagos ecosystems. Their activities include:

1. Seed dispersal across the island
2. Creating clearings that allow new plant growth
3. Forming wallows that become water sources for other animals
4. Maintaining vegetation balance through selective grazing

Community Involvement and Tourism

The project involves approximately 160 Floreana residents in a community-first approach. Local people participate in monitoring, habitat restoration, and will benefit from sustainable tourism opportunities. The tortoise reintroduction is expected to boost ecotourism, similar to successful models seen in African wildlife conservation programs that balance ecological and economic needs.

Future Species Reintroductions

The giant tortoise release marks just the beginning of the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project. Planned future reintroductions include:

• Floreana mockingbird (Mimus trifasciatus)
• Floreana racer snake (Pseudalsophis biserialis)
• Galapagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis)
• Vegetarian tree finch (Platyspiza crassirostris)
• Red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have the tortoises been extinct on Floreana?

The Floreana giant tortoise went extinct in the mid-1800s, approximately 150-180 years ago. The last confirmed sightings were in the 1840s.

How were scientists able to bring back an extinct species?

Through genetic research, scientists discovered that some tortoises on other islands carried Floreana DNA. These were descendants of tortoises transported by whalers in the early 19th century. A selective breeding program using these hybrid animals has restored the Floreana genetic lineage.

What threats do the reintroduced tortoises face?

The primary threats are remaining invasive species like rats and feral cats, though the tortoises are now large enough to defend against most predators. Ongoing monitoring and habitat management will help ensure their survival.

How many tortoises will eventually be released?

Approximately 700 giant tortoises are planned for gradual release on Floreana Island over the coming years, with the 158 released in February 2026 representing the first major cohort.

Why is this reintroduction important for the Galápagos?

The Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique biodiversity. Restoring keystone species like the giant tortoise helps maintain ecological balance and protects the archipelago's evolutionary significance that inspired Darwin's theory.

Sources

Island Conservation: Floreana Tortoise Release

AP News: Giant Tortoises Return to Floreana

NASA: Helping Bring Giant Tortoises Back

Galapagos Conservation: Floreana Reintroduction