Chelonoidis niger vicina

(Günther, 1875)

Vernacular names
English : Isabela Island giant tortoise
French : Tortue géante d’Isabela

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 huge, with a domed shell.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic Galapagos islands, this subspecies only occurs in the southern parts of Albemarle, also known as Isabela island. Lives on ountain 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 : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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