Jump to content
Join the Unexplained Mysteries community today! It's free and setting up an account only takes a moment.
- Sign In or Create Account -

New species of giant tortoise discovered


Still Waters

Recommended Posts

Scientists say they have identified a new species of giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific.

They used genetic data to determine that a group of 250 slow-moving reptiles was distinct from another tortoise species on Santa Cruz island.

It is the 15th known tortoise species to be discovered on the archipelago, though four are now extinct.

The new species has been named "Chelonoidis donfaustoi", after a retired Galapagos park ranger.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...merica-34600468

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Thanks for the link. My goal is to see one of these ancient beings in the flesh. I'm so happy the islands are so isolated and protected that these species can thrive for as long man doesn't interfere. I wish I could say the same for other places such as Madagascar.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I see these giants (not necessarily this subspecies) offered at Reptile breeders expos, as captive born babies (NOT COLLECTED ANIMALS). The going price was about $2000 a pop, for a tortoise about 6" across. Cute but pricey and then what do you do when it gets to weight several hundred pounds? At least they don't bark!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.