Galapagos Giant Tortoises brings together researchers and conservationists to share the most up-to-date knowledge of Galapagos giant tortoises. Despite being icons of the world-famous Galapagos Archipelago and the target of more than 50 years of conservation research and management, Galapagos giant tortoise evolution and much of their ecology remained unknown until recently. This book documents the history, the pressing conservation issues, and success stories recovering several of the 15 different species of Galapagos tortoises from near extinction.The book begins with an overview of the history of the relationship between humans and Galapagos giant tortoises, starting from initial heavy exploitation of tortoises by pirates and whalers, and extending to the start of the modern conservation era in the 1960s. The book then shifts to biology, describing Galapagos tortoise evolution, taxonomy, ecology, habitats, reproduction, and behavior. Next the decades of conservation efforts and their results are reviewed, including issues of captive breeding, invasive species, introduced diseases, and de-extinction, as well as the current status and distribution of every species. The final portion of the book turns to four case studies of restoration, and then looks ahead to the future of all tortoise populations.The latest volume in the Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscape series, Galapagos Giant Tortoises is a valuable resource for researchers and conservationists, as well as students of biology, wildlife conservation, and herpetology. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the Galapagos giant tortoise species as written and edited by the world's leading experts - Presents examples of restoration of tortoise populations following the near extinction of many of them - Describes conservation strategies to ensure the full recovery of all extant species - Explores recent efforts using replacement tortoises for extinct species to restore island ecosystems

2022 Eureka! Nonfiction Honor Book – California Reading Association Kirkus Best Indies Book List - 2022 Starred Kirkus Review: “This well-crafted success story of a species’ salvation will encourage budding environmentalists.” “A worthwhile addition to Pattison’s Another Extraordinary Animal series.” Booklist Can humans save a species from extinction? Yes! With patience, persistence, and a full dose of hope. This is the heartbreaking tale of a Galápagos giant tortoise species that was almost extinct, the herculean task of conservation work by scientists and volunteers, and a heartwarming tale of hope for our planet. In 1959, Ecuador established a national park to protect the Galápagos Islands. When they did a census, scientists found only 14 individual Española Island tortoises. The species was almost extinct. Then, they found one more Española tortoise—in the San Diego Zoo! They named him Diego and brought him back to the Galápagos for a breeding program. Ecuador established one of the most successful breeding programs in scientific history. For sixty years, scientists and hundreds of volunteers have fought valiantly to save this amazing giant tortoise species. Would it be enough? Would they be able to save the species? Read the amazing story of Diego, the giant Galápagos tortoise. Conservation is a numbers game. Each time a tortoise census is counted, it is presented in a larger font to emphasize its importance.

The first tortoises to accidentally arrive in Galapagos 2-3 million years ago were able to adapt to their harsh environment, find one another, and establish themselves on at first one and then on at least ten islands. By the 1960's, centuries of exploitation by whalers, privateers, traders, collectors and colonists had all but eliminated these enormous lumbering beasts from the landscape. Thanks to the strenuous efforts of scientists and National Park staff, the Galapagos tortoise is once again facing a brighter future. One of these dedicated investigators, Cruz Márquez, has compiled over 40 years of research into this volume which will be an important source of information for scientists, students, naturalist guides, and conservation managers. Lavishly illustrated and including a great deal of previously published and unpublished data, this book addresses the following topics: From where did Galapagos tortoises originate? Which other tortoises are their nearest relatives? When and how did they arrive in Galapagos and spread throughout the islands? How and why did they become giants? What is known about their internal and external anatomy? Is it similar to that of marine turtles? What do giant tortoises eat? How do they adapt to different environments and seasons? Do they eat the same foods in captivity as in the wild? How do they then adapt to foraging in the wild? Do wild giant tortoises move over long distances? If so, why? Are they more active during daylight hours or at night? Why do Galapagos finches appear to feed on the skin of giant tortoises? Why are there so few opuntia cactus on Espanola Island? Is this connected to only 14 tortoises being found there in the 1970's? How do Galapagos tortoises reproduce? Do they form lasting pair bonds? Is it true that incubation temperatures can be manipulated to produce mainly male or mainly female offspring? How can we tell the difference? Do Galapagos tortoises have twins? Are there any albino tortoises? How does the fetus break through the shell? After hatching, how soon does the neonate leave the egg shell? What parasites do Galapagos tortoises have? How do these affect their health? Why are human beings responsible for the near extinction of Galapagos tortoises? What has been done for the conservation of Galapagos giant tortoises? What will be done in the future? What of Lonesome George? What efforts went into keeping the last of his species alive in captivity for almost forty years, and why? What can we learn from his death? The answers to these questions, and many more, can be found in this book.

This guide features incredible facts about creatures from each of the main animal groups, including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, and insects.

Galápagos giant tortoises are fascinating—and endangered. They live only on the Galápagos Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. These tortoises face threats from the humans who live on—and visit—the islands, as well as from Earth's warming climate. Join author Kate Messner on an a journey to the Galápagos Islands to see these incredible creatures up close and discover how cutting-edge technology is helping scientists to study and protect them.

This twenty-two volume set presents the appearance and behavior of thousands of species of animals along with species population and prospects for survival in a arranged alphabetically and easy-to-read format.

A richly illustrated nature tour of Galápagos—now expanded, thoroughly updated, and with more than 650 color photographs Galápagos is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and profusely illustrated natural history of this spectacular archipelago. Offering much more information than identification guides, the book provides detailed accounts and more than 650 color photographs of the islands’ habitats, marine life, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants, making the book a virtual nature tour of Galápagos. Galápagos experts John Kricher and Kevin Loughlin have thoroughly revised the original text, bringing all the taxonomy up to date and adding a wealth of new information. Individual chapters cover geology, ecology, human history, Darwin’s finches and how Darwin came to his theory of natural selection from his visit to the islands, Galápagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, mammals, seabirds, landbirds, marine life, and conservation challenges and initiatives. The concluding chapter covers each of the individual islands, including landing sites, unique plant and animal species, and points of interest, and serves as a wonderful guide for visitors as they move from island to island or plan a trip to Galápagos. With its combination of rich text and splendid photos, Galápagos is essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast alike. Now with more than 650 color photographs, showing habitats, geology, marine life, and all the commonly encountered reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants Features a detailed island-by-island guide, including landing sites and what visitors can expect Essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast

This encyclopedia provides readers with a comprehensive look at the Galápagos Islands, from the wildlife and scientists that made them famous to the challenges and issues the islands face today. In the mid-1800s, the Galápagos Islands served as Charles Darwin's playground, a volcanic archipelago where he famously worked on his theories of evolution and natural selection. But who actually discovered the islands? Why didn't any country claim them for more than 200 years? And is ecotourism hurting or helping these mysterious islands? This volume explores the history, science, and culture of the Galápagos Islands. A Preface, Introduction, Chronology, and Galápagos at a Glance primer introduce readers to the islands that are so famously associated with Charles Darwin. Twelve thematic essays allow readers to explore such topics as evolution, the geology of the islands, invasive species, and tourism in depth. Topical entries follow, covering key individuals and organizations as well as other important concepts and ideas. Thirteen primary document excerpts allow readers to study firsthand accounts from explorers and visitors to the islands. Appendices, a glossary, a bibliography, and sidebars round out the text. Students of history, geography, and science will find this volume informative, while general readers will be intrigued to learn about these unique islands.

In this story, the narrator recalls his childhood growing up near a swamp and the events that led to its destruction. Galapagos giants is about Galapagos Islands, home to the giant tortoise, the land iguana, and the marine iguana.