Story perspectives

158 Tortoises Return to Floreana Island After Century

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Ecuadorian Environment Ministry announced the reintroduction of 158 tortoises to Floreana Island on February 20, marking their return after more than a century.
The tortoises were selected from a breeding center for genetic similarity to the original population.
They underwent quarantine and received microchips for identification.
The seven-kilometer trek across volcanic terrain aided adaptation and underpins restoration efforts, including invasive-species control and reintroduction of 12 other endemic species.

History

Historical Context

Charles Darwin visited Floreana Island in 1835, noting the absence of its native tortoise species, which had been hunted to extinction by 1850. The Charles Darwin Foundation has since bred over 15,000 tortoises in captivity. Recently, the reintroduction of 158 tortoises underscores ongoing conservation efforts to restore the island's ecosystem and combat invasive species, highlighting the importance of biodiversity.

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Story summary

The Ecuadorian Environment Ministry announced the reintroduction of 158 tortoises to Floreana Island on February 20, marking their return after more than a century.
The tortoises were selected from a breeding center for genetic similarity to the original population.
They underwent quarantine and received microchips for identification.
The seven-kilometer trek across volcanic terrain aided adaptation and underpins restoration efforts, including invasive-species control and reintroduction of 12 other endemic species.

1 / 2