Galápagos tortoise

Chelonoidis niger · The Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis niger) is a giant tortoise species native to seven of the Galápagos Islands.

Also called Galápagos giant tortoise, Charles Island giant tortoise.

Galápagos tortoise
Photo: Mfield, Matthew Field, http://www.photography.mattfield.com, CC BY-SA 3.0
Galápagos tortoise
Photo: E bailey, CC BY-SA 4.0
Galápagos tortoise
Photo: E bailey, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderTestudines
FamilyTestudinidae
GenusChelonoidis
SpeciesChelonoidis niger

Where it lives

Dry lowlands and moist highlands of volcanic islands on the equator off Ecuador.

Fun facts

  • It can weigh up to 417 kg (919 lb), making it the largest living species of tortoise.
  • One captive individual named Harriet lived for at least 175 years.
  • They can survive up to a year without food or water by breaking down body fat to produce water.
  • They walk at a leisurely top speed of about 0.3 km/h (0.2 mph).

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).