Lonesome George by danob
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Description
Giant Tortoise
No animal is more synonymous with the Galapagos Islands than the giant tortoise. Indeed, the saddle-back shape of the shell in many of the tortoise races reminded the early Spaniards of a type of riding saddle called "galapago", and this term is also applied to the tortoises. Hence, by calling the islands the Galapagos, we are, in essence, calling them "The Islands of the Giant Tortoises"!, The giant tortoise is the symbol of both the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park Service. In the form of one particular individual, Lonesome George, the sole surviving member of the Pinta Island race, the giant tortoise is the symbol of extreme fragility of the Galapagos islands, and a reminder of the need for vigilence and conservation.
It was also the giant tortoise that tipped Darwin off to the incredible diversity of the Galapagos fauna and flora. In the "Voyage of the Beagle.
There are 15 recognized races of tortoise, all generally considered to be members of the single species Geochelone elephantopus.. The genus Geochelone itself is represented by a cluster of species of small to medium-sized tortoises in South America, Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. In the past, giant species of Geochelone were once found on all continents except Australasia, but today the giant forms are restricted to G. elephantopus in the Galapagos and G. gigantea on the island of Aldabara. There are a number of captive G. elephantopus populations in zoos around the world and it seems that fertility is lower in those zoos that permit breeding between members of different races. The reasons for this reduced fertility are unclear, but it is not possible at this point to rule out genetic factors. The basic definition of the term "species" includes reproductive incompatibility with other species. If this reduced fertility does indeed turn out to be genetic, then the the degree of relatedness between the 15 Galapagos races and their taxonomic status become unclear.
Of the 15 races of Galapagos tortoises, four are extinct. Because of breeding and release efforts on the part of the Charles Darwin Research Station, most of the remaining races are holding their own. However, there is still on-going poaching of tortoises by local residents. One race, that from Pinta is represented by a single surviving male, aptly named Lonesome George. The 15 races are:
Genus species / race Island
Geochelone elephantopus Floreana (extinct)
not described Santa Fe (extinct)
Phantastica Fernandina (extinct)
Wallacei Rabida (extinct)
Hoodensis Espanola
Abingdoni Pinta
Ephippium Pinzon
Chatamensis San Cristobal
Darwini Santiago
Vicina Volcan Cerro Azul, Isabela
Guntheri "" Sierra Negra, Isabela
microphyes "" Darwin, Isabela
Vandenburghi Volcan Alcedo,Isabela
Becki Volcan Wolf, Isabela
Porteri Santa Cruz
Comments (31)
danob
This is the extract from Darwins notes "I have not as yet noticed by far the most remarkable feature in the natural history of this archipelago; it is, that the different islands to a considerable extent are inhabited by a different set of beings. My attention was first called to this fact by the Vice-Governor, Mr. Lawson, declaring that the tortoises differed from the different islands, and that he could with certainty tell from which island any one was brought. I did not for some time pay sufficient attention to this statement, and I had already mingled together the collections from two of the islands. I never dreamed that islands, about fifty or sixty miles apart, and most of them in sight of each other, formed of precisely the same rocks, placed under a quite similar climate, rising to a nearly equal height, would have been differently tenanted; but we shall soon see that this is the case. It is the fate of most voyagers, no sooner to discover what is most interesting in any locality, than they are hurried from it; but I ought, perhaps, to be thankful that I obtained sufficient materials to establish this most remarkable fact in the distribution of organic beings."
MagikUnicorn
Galapagos Archipel is the most beautiful place on Earth and I love Turtle...and that one got almost 100 years old ;-)
Zacko
They do indeed look rather prehistorical dont they? Beautiful close up of that amazing animal. I love the shape of its eye. #:o)
Hendesse
Outstanding shot with fantastic details. Your comment is very interesting too. Thanks for all the informations and this excellent capture!
valcali
Beautiful shot...full size really makes a big difference in the texture. The title is perfect for him! LOL ;o)
romanceworks
An awesome creature as ancient as time. Wonderful photo. I've always been quite fascinated with turtles and you've added to my interest and knowledge. CC
TwoPynts
Poor George, he looks so sad. I guess I would be too. Great portrait and super info.
monjo71
Great shot Danny. Thanks for all the info. Very informative. John
cricri99
would she find the perfect wave? (see on oscilis 's galery)..great and very interessing shot.
mark.spooner
Excellent work!
Loloe
Great portrait!!! Bravo!!!!
gunsan
What a gorgeous shot of one of the most fascinating creatures we have on earth. When I look at his eye I can feel a kind of wisdom, sadness and compassion. Maybe I am reading things from my imagination, but he sure invites to that. Thanks also for your information, you are a great teacher through combination of word and image.
vlaaitje
he looks so sad......it express so much......superB
1010
What a terrific closeup, he is just awesome!
Flannelman
Another great image/lesson. thanx ;-)
stuart83
A great capture, very clear & concise notes very informative, it's hard to appreciate the true size of the until up close Stuart
Littlejock
Very interesting turtle and lovely pic. Thank you so much for all the information you give to us.. So interesting and useful to me. Thank youu
Mayliah
What a beautiful close-up. He looks so ancient and wise. Thank you very much for including the information as well. It was very educational!
mhyrdin
It seems so ancient and so sad Is it because it's looking at the becoming of the earth and humanity ? A great shot !
kimariehere
wonderful creature you have captured hear they live a long life!..!! excellet head shot of this guy!!
kjpweb
Masterful shot my friend! Extraordinary detail and brilliance. And - of course - valuable information!
kansas
Thank you for this interesting information and excellent photo.
gizmo563
Excellent capture, he does look rather sad, can't hardle blame him being the last and all. Thanks for the photo and the information!
RodolfoCiminelli
Awesome photo of great detail and fantastic lighting.....!!!!
Biffowitz
Wonderful capture, and such detail!!
nikolais
a long long life story in the eyes of George. a wonderful capture and story again.
CavalierLady
That incredible look of sadness certainly emphasizes their plight. I had no idea that so many tortoise species were so close to the edge. There was "the turtle lady" who was very famous for her efforts to save turtles on the Texas coast. But for so many, it is too late and local poachers cannot be stopped, sadly.
sharky_
Beautiful capture.....excellent information. Aloha
nongo
George is magnificent!!!!!!
nathalie06
Direct from the prehistory.... Magic to see her so close. Have you seen she's smiling to you ? These giants are wonderful. Thank you for all these informations Danny, it's always very interesting to have them when we see a photograph. Hugs my friend.