Rediscovery of the Giant Tortoise: Fernanda Lives! | Travel News

A giant tortoise, previously believed to be extinct for over a century, has been rediscovered on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos archipelago. The female tortoise, nicknamed Fernanda, was found in 2019, but recent genetic testing has confirmed her status as part of the Fernandina Island Galapagos giant tortoise lineage, scientifically known as Chelonoidis phantasticus. This species was thought to have vanished following the collection of a lone male specimen in 1906.

Fernanda was located in a small vegetative area surrounded by old lava flows, a habitat difficult for researchers to access. Genetic analysis sequenced her entire genome and compared it with that of the historical specimen and other living Galapagos tortoises. The findings confirmed that Fernanda and the early museum specimen make up a unique genetic branch, separate from other species in the archipelago.

What Changed

 

The confirmation of Fernanda's identity has significant implications for conservation efforts. Previously regarded as extinct, her existence indicates that other undiscovered species could potentially be surviving in undisclosed locations within the region. Field researchers on Fernandina Island have reported evidence, such as tracks and feces, suggesting the presence of additional tortoises.

Dr. Evelyn Jensen, a lead author of the study, stated, “It is a truly exciting discovery that the species is not in fact extinct, but lives on.” The rediscovery revitalizes conservation initiatives aimed at protecting both Fernanda and her potential relatives, as several challenges remain in surveying the rugged terrain where she was found.
 

What Happens Next

 

Fernanda currently resides at the Galapagos National Park's Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz Island, where she is closely monitored and receives veterinary care. The conservation community is now faced with a pressing question: how to best support any additional tortoises that may be found. Conservation strategies may be developed based on genetic data from Fernanda and the museum male to ensure robust genetic diversity, should a breeding program become feasible.

• Fernanda represents the only known living individual of her species.
• This discovery emphasizes the importance of thorough habitat protection to support fragile ecosystems.
• Hopes are high for further expeditions into challenging areas of Fernandina Island to locate additional specimens.

The status of giant tortoises is critical, as historical records indicate that at least 250,000 once inhabited the Galapagos, with numbers drastically reduced to approximately 15,000 today. Fernanda’s existence is a pivotal reminder of the ongoing need for conservation efforts, especially given the precarious conditions many species face in their natural habitats.