Chelonoidis nigra

Galapagos tortoises lead a slow, languid life due to their slow metabolism, sleeping up to 16 hours a day and spending the rest of their time feeding or resting. They cannot regulate their body temperature internally and thus engage in behaviors like wallowing in mud or basking in the sun for thermoregulation. They follow a specific daily routine, creating distinctive paths in their habitat.

These tortoises have a unique mating ritual where males compete by stretching their necks to determine dominance. The victor usually wins the right to mate without further conflict, although sometimes physical confrontations occur.

Galapagos tortoises are recognized by their massive, segmented horny scutes-covered shells. The shell types and their dietary adaptations reflect the diverse environments of the Galapagos Islands, from humid areas with abundant vegetation to arid regions with sparser food sources.

Believed to have arrived on the Galapagos Islands 2 to 3 million years ago, possibly drifting on vegetation rafts. Charles Darwin’s observations of these tortoises contributed significantly to his theory of natural selection due to their variation across islands.

There are several subspecies spread across the Galapagos Islands, with conservation efforts in place to protect these iconic creatures from threats like habitat destruction and introduced species. Some subspecies have made remarkable recoveries, while others remain endangered.