A Giant Tortoise Thought To Be Extinct Tortoise For Over A Century Has BeenDiscovered In The Galápagos Islands

A giant tortoise found in the Galápagos Islands during a 2019 expedition has been confirmed to be a species thought to be extinct over a century ago.

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The last previous sighting of the Chelonoidis phantasticus, also known as Fernandina Island giant tortoise, was in 1906.

During the 2019 expedition to Fernandina Island, scientists from Yale University discovered a single female giant tortoise and took samples in order to compare it to the remains of a male species.

The genetic tests confirmed last week that they are both of the same species.

“It was believed to have gone extinct more than 100 years ago! Hope is alive,” the Environment Minister of Ecuador, which the Galápagos islands are part of, tweeted.

¡Se creía extinta hace más de 100 años! Hemos reconfirmado su existencia. La tortuga de la especie Chelonoidis phantasticus fue encontrada en #Galápagos. Empezar con tan buenas noticias nuestra gestión es una linda coincidencia. La esperanza está intacta. #JuntosLoLogramos pic.twitter.com/KOmBMLIfEY

— Gustavo Manrique M. (@GustavoManriq_M) May 25, 2021

Currently, the female Fernandina giant tortoise – nicknamed “Fernanda” – is in a breeding centre on Santa Cruz Island. She is estimated to be over 100 years old.

The Galápagos national park is preparing another expedition to search for more of the giant tortoises to save the species, as scientists have found prints and faeces on Fernandina Island, which they believe could mean more giant tortoises may be alive.