Diego, a 100 year old tortoise, is still helping to repopulate the Galapagos island of Espanola.

19/09/2006 00:00:00 Many visitors to the Galapagos visit the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) to see ‘Lonesome George’, the last tortoise from Pinta Island, however most are not aware that one centenarian located nearby has helped to repopulate a whole island of tortoises – and continues to do so today! In 1977, ‘Diego’, an Espanola tortoise, was returned to Galapagos after having lived in the San Diego Zoo since the 1930’s. At the captive breeding centre at the CDRS, Diego joined the last remaining 12 females and 2 males found on Espanola during the 1960’s. The Espanola tortoise population was unnaturally small and the scarce vegetation was further reduced by large herds of introduced goats.

Captive breeding and the eradication of the goats have now rescued the Espanola species. Even though he is probably over 100 years old, Diego, accompanied by his seven female companions, continues to help rebuild his island’s population and contribute to their genetic diversity.

‘Over 1400 young tortoises have been repatriated and many of Diego’s offspring are now breeding in the wild,’ said Cruz Marquez, CDF herpetologist who has worked with the breeding program for over 25 years.

Diego’s compelling success story illustrates how cooperation between international organizations, individuals and government agencies has saved a vulnerable species of tortoises from the brink of extinction. CDF recognizes that the future of conservation in Galapagos is built on such team efforts, fuelled by a shared vision held by all local and international supporters.

Couresy of the Charles Darwin Foundation.