Chelonoidis microphyes
(Günther, 1875)
Vernacular names
English : Volcan Darwin giant tortoise
French : Tortue géante du Volcan Darwin
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 very big and has a domed shell.
Range and habitat
This species is endemic Galapagos islands and only occurs in north-central area of Albemarle (Isabela Island), along the slopes of Volcan Darwin. Lives around mountain slopes and grass covered lowlands after rains.
Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
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 : SSP in America, EEP in Europe
Observation
