What caused the extinction of the Pinta Island tortoise?
The species was described by Albert Günther in 1877 after specimens arrived in London. By the end of the 19th century, most of the Pinta Island tortoises had been wiped out due to hunting. By the mid-20th century, the species was assumed to be extinct until a single male was discovered on the island in 1971.
How did tortoises become endangered?
In more recent years, Galapagos tortoises have been and continue to be threatened by predation and habitat destruction from invasive species, and increasing human-tortoise conflicts on the larger, human-inhabited islands. Two species co-exist on Santa Cruz Island, which has the largest human population.
Why did Lonesome George die?
On the morning of June 24, 2012, Lonesome George was found dead in his corral by his caretaker. He died, scientists later determined, from natural causes. His death shocked those who cared for him due in part to his young age—giant tortoises from George’s particular subspecies can live to be 200.
Why was the Pinta Island tortoise wiped out?
By the end of the 19th century, most of the Pinta Island tortoises had been wiped out due to hunting. By the mid-20th century, it was assumed that the subspecies was extinct until a single male was discovered on the island in 1971.
What are the threats to the giant tortoise?
The giant tortoise is threatened by introduced species to the islands, such as dogs and cats which prey on young tortoises, and cattle which compete for grazing vegetation.
Where are giant tortoises that have gone extinct?
Restoring ecosystems on islands where tortoises have gone extinct requires more drastic steps. Santa Fe Island lost its endemic giant tortoises more than 150 years ago, and its ecosystems are still recovering from a scourge of goats.
When did George the Pinta tortoise first appear?
George was first seen on the island of Pinta on 1 December 1971 by Hungarian malacologist József Vágvölgyi. Relocated for his safety to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, George was penned with two females of different species. Although the females laid eggs, none hatched.
When did the Pinta Island tortoise become extinct?
By the mid-20th century, the species was assumed to be extinct until a single male was discovered on the island in 1971. Efforts were made to mate the male, named Lonesome George, with other species, but no viable eggs resulted. Lonesome George died on 24 June 2012, and the species was believed to have become extinct with his death.
What kind of animal is the Pinta Island tortoise?
The Pinta Island tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii), also known as the Pinta giant tortoise, Abingdon Island tortoise, or Abingdon Island giant tortoise, is a species of Galápagos tortoise native to Ecuador’s Pinta Island that is most likely extinct. The species was described by Albert Günther in 1877 after specimens arrived in London.
The giant tortoise is threatened by introduced species to the islands, such as dogs and cats which prey on young tortoises, and cattle which compete for grazing vegetation.
How did the Galapagos giant tortoise get extinct?
They also brought animals such as rats, which can prey on young tortoises, and goats, which destroy their habitat. Tortoises were eliminated from Floreana Island shortly after Charles Darwin’s visit in 1835. Another species, the Pinta Island tortoise, lost its last remaining member, named Lonesome George, in 2012 .
