An Introduction to the Galápagos Tortoise

Galápagos tortoises, also known as Galápagos giant tortoises, are the world’s largest tortoises. They weigh up to 400 kg (882 lb.) and measure up to 1.8 m (70 in.) long.

Galápagos tortoises live on the Galápagos Islands, situated 970 km (600 mi.) off the coast of Ecuador. Scientists believe the first tortoises arrived on one the islands 2-3 million years ago by drifting on their own or atop vegetation rafts from mainland South America. Once there, their numbers grew and the tortoises populated the other islands in the archipelago.

Like all tortoises, Galápagos tortoises are a kind of turtle. They have shells which are made of bony materials and covered with scutes (plates) made of keratin. Galápagos tortoises have two main shell types: domed and saddle-backed. Saddle-backed tortoise shells have an upward curve on the front of the shell, which allows them to raise their heads and reach vegetation higher up.

Galápagos tortoises have dry, scaly skin, and long necks. In fact, their necks can be 60-90 cm (2-3 ft.) long! However, when threatened, they can pull their heads and legs into their shells for protection.

Galápagos tortoises spend 16 hours a day resting. They are cold-blooded and take 1-2 hours in the morning to bask in the sun in order to warm their bodies.

With a poor sense of hearing, Galápagos tortoises rely primarily on sight and smell to navigate their world. They are not particularly fast, walking at speeds around 0.3 km/h (0.2 mph).

What Galápagos Tortoises Eat

Galápagos tortoises graze on grasses, woody shrubs, fruits, and cactus pads. They will drink lots of water when available, but they can survive for up to a year with no food or water!

Symbiotic Relationship with Finches
Often, small birds sit on Galápagos tortoises’ backs. Galápagos tortoises have a symbiotic relationship with Galápagos finches. A finch will fly in front of a tortoise, and then the tortoise will extend its neck and legs and stay still. The finch will then hop on and eat the ticks from the tortoise’s skin folds. This benefits the tortoise who gets parasites removed from its skin as well as the finch who gets an easy meal.