The story of the Fernandina Tortoise is one of mystery, presumed extinction, and ultimately, hope. For over a century, scientists believed the Fernandina Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus) was extinct, known only from a single, old male specimen discovered in 1906. What Happened To The Fernandina Tortoise became a burning question for conservationists. Its rediscovery has sparked renewed efforts to protect this unique species and understand its place in the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.
The Century-Long Search
For many years, the scientific community considered the Fernandina Tortoise to be extinct. The primary reason for this presumption was the lack of sightings despite numerous expeditions to Fernandina Island. Volcanic activity also plays a role. The island is an active volcano, and past eruptions could have decimated tortoise populations. Evidence of human activity such as hunting and habitat destruction on other Galapagos Islands further fueled the belief that the Fernandina Tortoise had succumbed to the same fate.
The 1906 discovery of the lone male specimen served as both a reminder of what was lost and a potential clue for future searches. The tortoise’s unique saddleback shell, distinct from other Galapagos tortoise species, made it clear that this was a unique animal. Expeditions were mounted over the years, but none yielded evidence of living tortoises. Here are some examples of what scientists were doing during those expeditions:
- Visual surveys of the island’s varied terrain.
- Searches for tortoise tracks and scat.
- Interviews with local residents and fishermen.
The breakthrough came in 2019, when a joint expedition by the Galapagos National Park Directorate and Galapagos Conservancy found a single female tortoise on Fernandina Island. This discovery was monumental. Genetic analysis confirmed that the female tortoise, nicknamed “Fernanda,” was indeed a Chelonoidis phantasticus, making her the first living representative of the species found in over a century. This offered hope. Further expeditions are planned to locate more individuals and assess the population size. It also opens the doors for conservation, breeding, and reintroduction programs.
To learn more about the incredible journey of rediscovering Fernanda, the Fernandina Tortoise, check out the Galapagos Conservancy’s official website. They have detailed reports, photos, and videos from the expedition!