US Edition
Published • loading... • Updated
Galápagos park releases 158 juvenile hybrid tortoises on Floreana to restore the ecosystem
The 158 juvenile tortoises carry 40% to 80% of the extinct Floreana species' genetic makeup, supporting island ecosystem restoration through a decade-long rewilding effort.
- On Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, the Galápagos National Park released 158 juvenile hybrid tortoises aged 8 to 13 on Floreana Island, timed with the season's first winter rains.
- Historic drivers like whaling, fire and exploitation wiped out approximately 20,000 giant tortoises on Floreana two centuries ago, and Washington Tapia said the reintroduction aims to restore a lost lineage.
- Genetic analysis shows these hybrids trace to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, carry 40%–80% Chelonoidis niger DNA, and park breeders selected strong adults to resist introduced predators like rats and cats.
- The released tortoises will share territory with nearly 200 residents and native species while facing threats from introduced blackberry, guava, rats, cats, pigs, and donkeys as part of a 700 planned specimens program.
- Residents welcomed the release, calling it a `dream come true`, as the Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site roughly 1,000 kilometers from the mainland.
Insights by Ground AI
37 Articles
37 Articles
Associated Press News+20 Reposted by 20 other sources
Galápagos park releases 158 juvenile hybrid tortoises on Floreana to restore the ecosystem
Giant tortoises have returned to Floreana Island in Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago as conservationists release 158 juvenile hybrids to restore the ecosystem.
·United States
Read Full Article
For the first time in more than a century, 158 giant turtles re-inhabited Floreana Island. Reintroduction marks a scientific and environmental milestone in the Galapagos Islands: the species disappeared locally in the 19th century and its return this Friday is concrete thanks to an ecological restoration program supported by genetic research.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources37
Leaning Left4Leaning Right4Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
14%
C 72%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
