Species of Giant Tortoise listed as extinct for 150 years discovered thriving on remote island
62The thought to be extinct Giant Tortoise
Thought to be extinct for 150 years the discovery of these Giant Tortoises has thrilled scientists
A giant tortoise that has long been thought to be extinct has been discovered alive and well on an isolated island.
Dozens of Chelonoidis elephantopus tortoises , which scientist hae listed as extinct for over 150 years, are thriving on an island in the Galapagos islands.
Researchers told media that these turtles are direct descendents of turtles that once called Floreana Island nearly 200 miles away home.
Scientists goal is now to locate the turtles and restore them to their original island of origin. Experts say this is necessary because they play a important role in maintaining the regions ecological integrity.
Confirmation of the species was done when scientists took blood samples from over 1,600 tortoises then compared them to genectic database information on the extinct tortoises.
Analysis proved that the genetic signatures of C. elephantopus in 84 Volcano Wolf tortoises, which means they are true descendants of the missing species.
No one knows how the tortoises got so far from their origin, but they believe they could not have traveled that far on their own. Scientists speculate that the people that were blamed for their extinction may be responsible for their relocation.
