Chelonoidis niger microphyes

(Günther, 1875)

Vernacular names
English : Volcan Darwin giant tortoise
French : Tortue géante du Volcan Darwin

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Testudinidae
Notes : 13 other subspecies known. Sometimes treated as a separate species.

Identification
Huge tortoise, reaching a total length of 150 cm for a weight up to 320 kg. Very long neck, head with a nearly round shape and flat forehead. Coloration from dark brown-gray to nearly black. This species is very big and has a domed shell.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic Galapagos islands, this subspecies only occurs in north-central area of Albemarle (Isabela Island), along the slopes of Volcan Darwin. Lives around mountain slopes and grass covered lowlands after rains.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : This species is now fairly safe because it is afforded full legal protection. Still vulnerable to predation by introduced species when very young.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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