The Galápagos Tortoise
The Galapagos archipelago is home to a number of plants, animals, birds and insects that are found nowhere else. As a result, the archipelago was often exploited by sailors looking for exotic meat and plants. Consequently, the population of many species that are endemic to the Galapagos dwindled. One of the most affected species was the Galapagos Tortoise, which remains endangered even today. However, since conservation efforts and tourism has taken hold in Galapagos, the island’s government, non-profits, tourism companies and inhabitants have made progressive strides to support these slow giants. The work of the Charles Darwin Foundation, where a number of these photographs were clicked, has been particularly important in modern conservation efforts. Of course, the trafficking of these rare tortoises is still a lucrative business and a challenge that is still being addressed.
