Chelonoidis becki
(Rothschild, 1901)
Vernacular names
English : Volcan Wolf tortoise
French : Tortue géante du Volcan Wolf
Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Testudinidae
Notes : No subspecies known, somtimes considered as subspecies of C. niger or as part of a species complex. True status still debated.
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 and only occurs in northern parts of Isabela Island, around Wolf Volcano and Cape Berkeley. Lives in mountain slopes and grass covered lowlands after rains.
Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
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
