According to the government of Ecuador, the Fernandina Giant Tortoise, that was last spotted only in 1906 has been discovered at the Galapagos Island of Fernandina. An expedition by the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative spotted this tortoise, also known as Chelonoidis phantasticus, which is believed to be over 100 years old.
The conservationists are also hopeful that there were other members of the same species on the island. This observation was made based on the tracks and scents that were noticed. The tortoise has been taken to a breeding centre at Santa Cruz island for more health and genetic tests.
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These species have been endemic to the Fernandina island of the archipelago. They had become endangered due to indiscriminate killing for oil and food.
The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of 19 volcanic islands, have long been known for their native species. The observations that Charles Darwin made on these islands served as the basis for his theory of evolution. These islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
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