Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

In terms of fauna, an interesting and rare introduction is the Galapagos giant tortoise (Testudo elephantopus). The sole surviving tortoise, Ms T (also known as Turpen), was one of five, which arrived on Pitcairn between 1937 and 1951, brought to the island by Irving Johnson, skipper of the 96 foot Brigantine Yankee. Turpen usually resides at Tedside by Western Harbour. A protection order makes it an offence should anyone kill, injure, capture, maim or cause harm or distress to the tortoise (Endangered Species Protection Ordinance, 2004 revised edition).The birds of Pitcairn fall into several groups. These include seabirds, wading birds and a small number of resident land bird species. Of 20 breeding species, Henderson Island has 16, including the unique flightless Henderson rail (Nesophylax alter); Oeno 12; Ducie 13 and Pitcairn six. Of the birds breeding on Pitcairn the best known are the Fairy Tern (Gygis alba), the Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) and the Red-tailed Tropic Bird (Phaethon rubricauda). The Pitcairn Island Warbler (Acrocephalus vaughani) or known by Pitcairners as a sparrow, is a native species, dark-brown above and yellowish to buff below. It use to be common throughout the island but was placed on the endangered status list in 2008 (see Pitcairn Reed-warbler).

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Web Site
 - Galapagos Giant Tortoise - Pitcairn Islands - Mobile Phones, Internet. Country Code
Galapagos Giant Tortoise - Pitcairn Islands - Mobile Phones, Internet. Country Code
Galapagos Giant Tortoise Oceania
Galapagos Giant Tortoise 2024
When did the Galápagos tortoises become giant? Sciworthy
The Slow-Motion Destruction of Tortoises’ Slow-Motion Migration Hakai Magazine
Giant tortoise migration in the Galápagos may be stymied by invasive trees Science News Magazine
Groundbreaking Studies of Critically Endangered Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos AZA.org