The return of the giant tortoises to Floreana in the Galápagos Islands marks a milestone after more than 180 years of absence. On February 20, 2026, 158 young specimens were released, an event that excites biologists and represents a crucial step in the restoration of the archipelago’s ecosystem.
This reintroduction is not just symbolic; it comes after years of intense work to prepare the land and eradicate invasive species. Floreana aims to recover part of its rich ecosystem from over a century ago, an effort closely watched by experts.
The released tortoises belong to the Chelonoidis niger niger lineage, locally extinct since the 19th century. According to the Charles Darwin Foundation, this is the first of 12 planned releases within the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project.
With a population of around 160 people, Floreana faces unique challenges in managing its environment. Lorena Sánchez, director of the Galápagos National Park, highlights the complexity of managing an inhabited space, while Verónica Mora, a local representative, emphasizes the economic dependence on environmental conditions.
The original disappearance of the tortoises was due to intense hunting by whalers and the introduction of predators such as pigs and rats that devastated the eggs and hatchlings. The absence of these tortoises, which act as ecosystem engineers, has significantly altered the landscape for decades.
The institutions involved in the reintroduction emphasize that giant tortoises contribute to seed dispersal and the maintenance of open habitats, which in turn benefits other species. In the words of Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy, these tortoises play a strategic role in regulating vegetation.
The resurgence of Floreana’s tortoises began with the discovery of genetic ancestry on the Wolf volcano of Isabela Island. This discovery allowed the reactivation of a lineage believed to be lost. Hugo Mogollón of Galápagos Conservancy notes that this achievement is the result of years of genetic research.
Following a breeding program initiated in 2017, more than 600 hatchlings have been produced, of which around 300 are ready to be released. The goal is not to clone an extinct species but to recover a genetically similar population through selective breeding techniques.
Before the release, each tortoise underwent a rigorous process of health control and management that included quarantine, deworming, and the implementation of microchips for continuous monitoring.
The timing of the release was carefully chosen to coincide with the rainy season, ensuring that the vegetation is at its most abundant and that there are sufficient water sources.
NASA has played a crucial role by providing satellite data that helps identify the best areas for the tortoises’ return, considering humidity, temperature, and available vegetation today and in the future.
The released tortoises are equipped with lightweight GPS transmitters to allow continuous tracking of their movements and ensure their adaptation to the new environment. The plan is to keep adult breeders in captivity to continue producing cohorts that will be progressively released.
Despite efforts against invasive species, Floreana still faces challenges of coexistence with introduced plants and animals. However, this project represents a long-term commitment to restore the island’s ecological balance through constant monitoring and adjustments.
For more details, the official statement on this initiative has been published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Ecuador.
