Chapter 14
The giant tortoises of Galapagos have suffered the depredations of man and of introduced animals. On the island of Española, only 14 remained. Thanks to the program of tortoise breeding, rearing, and repatriation, a thousand tortoises have now been repatriated to that island!
“Alone and surrounded by devastated vegetation, Lonesome George spends his last days on Pinta before being removed to the Research Station in 1972.”
The inspirational story of the struggle to halt and then reverse the decline towards extinction of the Galapagos giant tortoise. Filled with stunning illustrations and authoritative information. It is the first in a new series of Charles Darwin Foundation publications on conservation and research in the Galapagos Islands.
Written for the Charles Darwin Foundation by Godfrey Merlen
Godfrey Merlen lives on the island of Santa Cruz in Galapagos. He is a member of the Charles Darwin Foundation and one of the vice-presidents of the Galapagos Conservation Trust in Britain.
It is a dramatic episode in the history of the islands. Had it not been for the determination and vision of a group of conservationists and scientists forty years ago, it would be an infinitely sad story, yet, today, we can look back with gratitude and, at times, with humor. It is an appreciation to many people who have dedicated their lives, to the future of the Tortoises.
“Each park warden swings up a backpack loaded with a bulging sack. “Product of Canada,” they announce. But inside is pure Galapagos which no money could buy, for each man carries thirteen young tortoises – going home!”
With the purchase of this book or by joining the Friends of Galapagos network, you are helping to save this natural paradise.