What is floreana giant tortoise?

The Floreana giant tortoise, also known as the Charles Island giant tortoise, is a species of giant tortoise that is native to the island of Floreana in the Galapagos Islands. This species was once widespread on the island, but its population declined rapidly due to hunting and habitat destruction by human settlers.

The Floreana giant tortoise is one of the smaller species of giant tortoise, with adults typically weighing around 250 pounds. They have a heavy, dome-shaped shell that serves as protection from predators, and their skin is dark and leathery.

The diet of the Floreana giant tortoise consists of grasses, herbs, and cactus. They are able to survive for long periods without food or water, which allows them to survive during droughts on their arid island habitat.

Conservation efforts have been implemented to help protect the Floreana giant tortoise, including captive breeding programs and habitat restoration. Additionally, efforts are being made to remove invasive species from the island, which have had a negative impact on the tortoise population. As of 2021, it is estimated that there are approximately 200 individuals remaining in the wild.