Still Waters Posted October 22, 2015 #1 Share Posted October 22, 2015 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 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atuke Posted October 22, 2015 #2 Share Posted October 22, 2015 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 More sharing options...
BeastieRunner Posted October 22, 2015 #3 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Awesome. We need more discoveries like these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sundew Posted October 22, 2015 #4 Share Posted October 22, 2015 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 More sharing options...
jarjarbinks Posted October 23, 2015 #5 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Tonight, i'll dine on turtle soup! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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