Galapagos Releases 158 Floreana-Lineage Tortoises on Native Island After 19th-Century Extinction
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 15
Galapagos Releases 158 Floreana-Lineage Tortoises on Native Island After 19th-Century Extinction
2 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 15
Summary
February 2026 saw 158 baby Floreana-lineage tortoises released on Floreana Island, each fitted with satellite trackers to monitor survival, movement and habitat effects.
Those tortoises descend from 19 animals moved to a breeding center after researchers identified Floreana genetics in unusual saddle-backed tortoises found on Wolf Volcano more than 20 years ago.
NASA-backed mapping helped choose release sites, and the captive population has produced about 800 hatchlings so far, with scientists saying the breeders adapted well and average roughly 60 offspring a year.
The released animals are hybrids rather than pure Floreana tortoises, but researchers believe purebred survivors may still exist on Wolf Volcano because some younger animals there are 50% Floreana.
The reintroduction is part of a broader Galapagos restoration effort: giant tortoises disperse seeds, reshape vegetation and support other species, while invasive goats, pigs and donkeys have already been eradicated from Floreana.