Giant tortoises take first steps on Galápagos island after nearly 200 years

Описание: More than 150 giant tortoises have been reintroduced to Floreana Island in Ecuador’s famed Galápagos archipelago, where they disappeared more than a century ago.

It marks a major step in a reintroduction program aimed at restoring a lineage that disappeared locally in the 19th century.

According to the environment ministry, genetic research enabled the breeding programme and will allow a phased return of tortoises based on technical criteria.

The release is also intended to lay the groundwork for reintroducing up to 12 endemic species considered locally extinct on the island.

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