Uncommon Galapagos tortoise discovery to doubtlessly revive the species

A current examine at Princeton College on the Chelonoidis phantasticus particulars the rediscovery of the species three years in the past, after it had been believed to be extinct for over 100 years. This rediscovery has rekindled scientists’ hopes of reviving the species.

The tortoise is the primary of its sort to be discovered since a male specimen was found by Rollo Beck throughout an expedition in 1906. The newcomer is fondly named after her space of origin – Fernandina Island. The archipelago is basically unexplored as a consequence of an lively volcano.

Ecology and evolutionary biology researcher at Princeton College Stephen Gaughran advised The Guardian ‘it’s an enormous deal for a species that we thought was extinct for 100 years to all of the sudden seem right here.’

Fernanda was discovered roaming the island three years in the past in 2019, rekindling hopes for scientists that the uncommon species had not gone extinct and was there all this time. DNA testing confirmed their suspicions.

All large Galapagos tortoises vary from weak to critically endangered and one species is extinct. The phantasticus was considered extinct as properly, till Fernanda got here alongside.

The group of scientists concerned within the examine had a wholesome scepticism after discovering Fernanda. She is probably going over 50 years outdated, however she is smaller than what is understood to be a large tortoise. This, and her flared shell and saddleback form are why scientists initially had their doubts.

Specialists believed initially that the primary specimen was transplanted to Fernandina Island: ‘It appeared like a extra seemingly rationalization {that a} random tortoise simply ended up there from a unique island,’ stated Stephen.

Fernanda’s discovery means that nevertheless she wound up there, she may not have been alone.

Though Fernanda’s discovery is taken into account a scientific breakthrough, it means nothing if one other male is just not discovered.

‘If we solely have Fernanda, it’s thrilling to have discovered her. But when she doesn’t have one other tortoise to breed with, then there’s nowhere to go. If there are not less than a couple of of those tortoises nonetheless residing on that island, then that opens up the potential for making an attempt to essentially revive the species.’

Image: Screenshot from video

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