Chelonoidis hoodensis (Española Giant Tortoise)

Conservation Status:
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Chelonoidis hoodensis is a species of giant tortoise endemic to Española Island in the Galápagos archipelago. Known for its role in the remarkable conservation story of the Galápagos tortoises, Chelonoidis hoodensis has made a significant recovery from the brink of extinction.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Testudinidae
  • Genus: Chelonoidis
  • Species: Chelonoidis hoodensis

Common Names

  • Española Giant Tortoise
  • Hood Island Tortoise

Identification

Description

Chelonoidis hoodensis has a distinctive saddleback shell, which allows it to stretch its neck upwards to reach higher vegetation. The carapace is brownish or grey, with a rugged, almost bony appearance. The tortoise’s limbs are thick and sturdy, adapted for supporting its heavy body.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are larger than females and have a more pronounced saddleback shape. Additionally, males have longer tails and slightly concave plastrons, aiding in mating.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

Chelonoidis hoodensis is native to Española Island, one of the smaller islands in the Galápagos. It is the only tortoise species found on this island.

Preferred Habitat

This species prefers arid regions with sparse vegetation. It inhabits scrubland areas and cactus forests, relying on the vegetation found in these regions for food.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

Chelonoidis hoodensis is primarily herbivorous, feeding on cacti, grasses, leaves, and fruits. Its saddleback shell allows it to reach taller plants, a necessary adaptation given the arid environment.

Predators

Adult Chelonoidis hoodensis tortoises have no natural predators due to their size and tough shells. However, hatchlings and eggs are vulnerable to introduced species such as rats, cats, and dogs.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when food is more abundant. On Española Island, this is generally from December to May.

Reproductive Method

Chelonoidis hoodensis lays eggs in shallow nests dug into sandy or soft soil. After an incubation period of around 4 to 8 months, the eggs hatch, and the young tortoises emerge.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Chelonoidis hoodensis is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. However, ongoing conservation efforts have significantly increased its population.

Threats

The primary threats include habitat destruction, competition with introduced species for food, and predation on eggs and hatchlings by invasive species.

Conservation Measures

Intensive conservation efforts, including captive breeding and habitat restoration, have been undertaken to save this species. The repatriation of captive-bred individuals to Española Island has been particularly successful in bolstering the population.

Economic Importance

Chelonoidis hoodensis has significant ecotourism value as part of the Galápagos National Park. The species’ conservation story also draws international attention and funding for ongoing preservation efforts.

Interesting Facts

  • Chelonoidis hoodensis is one of the most famous tortoises due to the conservation story of “Lonesome George,” the last known individual of a related species from Pinta Island.
  • The Española Giant Tortoise’s population rebounded from just 15 individuals in the 1960s to over 2,000 today, thanks to conservation programs.
  • The saddleback shell shape is an evolutionary adaptation that allows these tortoises to browse on taller vegetation, setting them apart from other Galápagos tortoise species.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.