![]() ![]() Five of the 15 species have the saddle-backed morphology: C. 1c), and a “saddle-backed” form, with a high anterior opening creating the shape of a saddle (Fig. The 15 species exhibit two general carapace shapes: “domed,” a rounded cupola-like form (Fig. Generally, there is a single species per island with two exceptions: Isabela Island that has a different endemic species associated with each of its five volcanoes, and Santa Cruz Island that contains two species, one recently described 20 (Fig. Galápagos giant tortoises can be classified into 15 species based on genetic data 20. Galápagos giant tortoises ( Chelonoidis spp.) are flagship species for ongoing restoration efforts 18 in this archipelago and play an important functional role as mega-herbivores in the islands’ ecosystems 19. ![]() In response, concerted efforts have been taken to restore ecosystems on the islands, including removal of introduced pests 14, 15 and population restoration via captive breeding and repatriation of threatened native species (e.g. The resulting loss of biodiversity, including many endemic species, has been chiefly due to the introduction of non-native species 12, 13. For example, the ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands, located ~900 kilometers off the Pacific coast of Ecuador, have been degraded by human activities since the archipelago was discovered in 1535. Generally, extinction is final and cases where lost species can be revived will be extremely rare.ĭespite their insularity, even remote oceanic islands are not exempt from rapid anthropogenic changes. Although ‘de-extinction’ using laboratory techniques is currently being debated 9, such methods are viable only for some taxa and will generate significant anticipated, and unanticipated, risks 10, 11. For many species, such actions come too late to facilitate recovery 6, 7, 8. Many actions have been undertaken to prevent species extinctions, including creating laws to protect endangered species and critical habitats 2, translocations of individuals among populations or into new habitats 3, 4, and ex situ management including captive breeding 5. Human activities have generated an extreme and rapid loss of biodiversity 1. ![]()
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