Santa Cruz Island Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis porteri)

About Santa Cruz Island Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis porteri)

• Kingdom: Animals
• Phylum: Chordates
• Class: Reptiles
• Order: Turtles
• Family: Tortoise

The western Santa Cruz tortoise is a subspecies of Galápagos tortoise endemic to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. They are found only on the southwestern slopes of the island, with an estimated range of 141 sq. kilometers. There are approximately 3400 individuals in the wild, and have seen rising numbers in population, despite being critically endangered. MtDNA evidence shows that there are actually three genetically distinct populations on Santa Cruz Island. They are characterised by a black, oval carapace that is domed, higher in the centre than in the front, and broad anteriorly. Their life expectancy is 175 years.

Source: Wikipedia