Galapagos Giant Tortoises

The Galapagos Giant tortoise is perhaps the most iconic animal in Ecuador. In fact, they lend their name to the whole archipelago – when the Spanish explorers first came to the islands, they thought the shells of these giant tortoises resembled a Spanish-style saddle, or “galapago.”

Fact Sheet

• Average size at maturity: 4 feet (some can be as tall as 5 feet)
• Average weight: 475 pounds (some weigh as much as 550 pounds)
• Population: 19,000 (on the rise)
• Status: Vulnerable
• Range: Galapagos Islands highland region; annual migration to lowlands for breeding
• Threats: Hunting; feral cats, dogs, and rats (only a threat to young tortoises and eggs)
• Lifespan: Over 100 years

Each Population is Distinct

Many people don’t realize that there are several entirely distinct populations of Galapagos giant tortoises, each with a slightly different genetic signature.