Galapagos tortoise, sometimes called the Galapagos giant tortoise, is a tortoise known for its large size and long lifespan. A tortoise is a turtle that lives only on land. The Galapagos tortoise is one of the most famous animals of the Galapagos Islands. The islands, which belong to Ecuador, are known for their peculiar variety of animal and plant life.
There are about a dozen living species (kinds) of Galapagos tortoise. Fully grown Galapagos tortoises are 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) long. Adult female tortoises usually weigh around 250 pounds (110 kilograms). But in some species, they may grow to over 300 pounds (140 kilograms). Males regularly grow to over 500 pounds (230 kilograms). The largest Galapagos tortoises may grow to over 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and weigh over 700 pounds (320 kilograms). Males have a longer tail than females. Galapagos tortoises move slowly. They have short legs and strong feet to support their heavy bodies.
Galapagos tortoises eat leaves, stems, and fruits from such plants as shrubs and cactuses. They drink large amounts of water, but they can survive several months without water during times of drought. They rest for about 16 hours per day.
A Galapagos tortoise may have either a domed shell (large and rounded) or a saddleback shell (with flared edges). The shape of the shell depends on the species of the tortoise. Tortoises with domed shells cannot stretch their necks very high to reach food. These species are found on islands with plenty of plants that grow low to the ground, such as grasses. Tortoises with saddleback shells can stretch their necks high, and they have longer legs. These species are found on islands with few plants that grow low to the ground. They must reach higher up to eat leaves and fruits. These differences exist because over time, each species evolved adaptations to its environment.
Galapagos tortoises usually breed from January to May and nest from June to December. When a female tortoise is ready to lay eggs, she digs a hole in the sand with her hind feet, deposits the eggs, and covers them up. After three to six months, the eggs hatch. A Galapagos tortoise hatchling weighs only 3 ounces (85 grams). The tortoises are fully mature when they are 20-25 years of age. Scientists are not certain how long their lifespan is, but many Galapagos tortoises have lived for over 150 years.
Most living kinds of Galapagos tortoises are endangered. The rest are considered vulnerable (at risk of becoming endangered in the near future). Scientists often breed Galapagos tortoises in captivity and raise them until they are old enough to survive in the wild on their own.
