How many Galapagos Tortoises are there?
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The Galapagos Islands are full of unique endemic (only live within that area) wildlife. One of the biggest attractions that have captivated visitors since the beginning is the Galapagos tortoise. So how many Galapagos tortoises are there, and how many different species? Currently, there are 12 species of tortoise alive today, with a combined population estimate by the IUCN red list falling between 24,620 and 27,325 individuals.
How many Galapagos tortoises were there historically?
Historically, it is thought that there were between 100,000 and 200,000 tortoises on the islands. This means today’s numbers of Galapagos tortoises have decreased up to a 900 percent decrease.
Why are the Tortoises Vulnerable or Endangered?
This notable decrease is caused by a variety of factors. Historically, pirates and whalers used this species as a significant source of food, with these creatures weighing up to 900 lbs, and having the ability to survive for months without food or water. This even drove some of the species on specific islands to extinction.
Although the Galapagos tortoise is federally protected, this species continues to face many threats. Introduced predators still inhabit the islands, most notably feral hogs, which cannot resist tortoise eggs. Additionally, black rats and fire ants can be disastrous for hatch success rates. In terms of humans, we still have a negative on Galapagos tortoises. By creating agricultural crops with fences through historic tortoise migration routes, tortoises have difficulty finding mates, food, and the proper nesting ground. Adding difficulty to the situation, the eggs of the species are so small that they cannot easily be found. So what are scientists doing about it? Using trackers on Galapagos tortoises shows nesting areas, which allow scientists to protect the areas from predators. These trackers also show migration routes, which is crucial for cordoning off areas for Galapagos tortoise protection.
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How many Galapagos Tortoises Are There – Species Breakdown
1. Western Santa Cruz Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Population 3,400 individuals.
Classified in the IUCN red list as critically endangered critically endangered
2. Eastern Santa Cruz Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Population 250 individuals
Classified in the IUCN red list as critically endangered critically endangered
3. Wolf Volcano Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Population of 7,000-8,000 individuals
Classified in the IUCN red list as vulnerable. Currently, there are 2000 marked adults. In the past, the population size is estimated at roughly 25,000 adults.
4. Espanola Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Population 100-200 individuals
Classified in the IUCN red list as critically endangered. The population is currently increasing.
5. Pinzon Giant Tortoise
Population 300 – 400 individuals.
Classified in the IUCN red list as Vulnerable, with the population increasing.
6. Volcan Darwin Giant Tortoise
Population 800 individuals.
Classified in the IUCN red list as Endangered
7. Santiago Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Population 500-1700 individuals.
Classified in the IUCN red list as critically endangered.
8. Fernandina Giant Tortoise
Population 0-5 individuals
Classified in the IUCN red list as critically endangered.
9. San Cristobal Giant Tortoise
Population 2,950 individuals
Classified in the IUCN red list as endangered.
10. Cerro Azul Giant Tortoise
Population 2,600 individuals
Classified in the IUCN red list as Vulnerable considered endangered.
11. Volcan Alcedo Giant Tortoise
Population 6,320 individuals.
Classified in the IUCN red list as Vulnerable
12. Sierra Negra Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Population 400-700 individuals
Classified in the IUCN red list as critically endangered.
How did the Tortoises Migrate to the Galapagos Islands?
Giant tortoises, up to 5 feet in length, were widespread on all continents excluding Australia and Antarctica before and during the Pleistocene era(2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago) Three extant species on the South American mainland 1000km way are the most likely candidates for the most recent relatives. These are the South American yellow-footed tortoise; the South American red-footed tortoise and the Chaco tortoise. These likely arrived via large rafts of floating vegetation and uprooted trees. Alternative theories state that the Galapagos tortoise species swam, with the ability to survive for many months without food and water.
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Conservation Efforts
Multiple organizations and conservation centers exist on the Galapagos Islands. Many of these centers have breeding programs with the mission of perpetuating the vulnerable and endangered species. By controlling the temperature of the eggs during incubation, scientists can dictate the sex of the Galapagos tortoise to create a balanced population. Additionally, scientists can safeguard the young tortoises in enclosures until they reach an age where they can defend themselves against predatory bird species and invasive species in the wild.
Recently, the Galapagos tortoise named Diego became famous for creating so many babies that he “saved his species.” Diego retired after reproducing with so many females that led to approximately 800 babies, which will eventually be reintroduced to the Islands.
Can Galapagos tortoises swim?
Galapagos tortoises are exclusively land creatures, and they cannot swim. However, they can float, and drift. One of the theories of their arrival is that they actually drifted from the mainland. As they can go months without drink or water, it is possible that they drifted over to the Galapagos Islands
Explore the Islands
To find out about other species, check our list of 21 famous species of the Galapagos Islands along with the fun facts that go along with each, including the blue-footed booby, marine iguanas, fur seals, magnificent frigatebirds, and more! To visit the Galapagos Islands, check our options on our website featuring both landbased and cruise based tours, along with tours of Machu Pichu and the Amazon rainforest.
How Many Galapagos Tortoises Are There FAQ
Currently, there are an estimated 24,620 to 27,325 Galapagos tortoises remaining in the wild. Historically, their population ranged between 100,000 and 200,000, but habitat destruction, hunting, and invasive species have significantly reduced their numbers. Conservation efforts are helping some populations recover, but several species remain critically endangered.
Galapagos tortoises are endangered due to historical overhunting, habitat destruction, and invasive species. Pirates and whalers once hunted them for food, while introduced predators like feral pigs, black rats, and fire ants prey on eggs and hatchlings. Additionally, human activity, such as agriculture and infrastructure development, disrupts their natural migration and breeding patterns.
Scientists believe that Galapagos tortoises drifted from the South American mainland on floating vegetation or uprooted trees. Since they can survive for months without food or water, they likely floated across the ocean until they reached the islands. Some theories also suggest that they may have been able to paddle short distances, though they are not natural swimmers.
There are 12 recognized species of Galapagos tortoises alive today, each native to a specific island or volcano. Some of the most endangered species include:
- Eastern Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise – Only 250 individuals left (Critically Endangered)
- Fernandina Giant Tortoise – Possibly just 0-5 individuals left (Critically Endangered)
- Wolf Volcano Giant Tortoise – Largest population with 7,000-8,000 individuals (Vulnerable)
Conservationists are using GPS tracking, habitat protection, and breeding programs to help Galapagos tortoises recover. By monitoring migration routes and nesting sites, scientists can safeguard key areas from threats. Hatcheries also incubate eggs at controlled temperatures to ensure a balanced male-to-female ratio, and young tortoises are raised in protective enclosures before being released into the wild.