Charles Island Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis niger
The adult Charles Island giant tortoise inhabited Floreana Island in the Galápagos, moving slowly between dry scrub, grassland, cactus patches, and moister highland areas. It was a grazing and browsing herbivore, feeding on grasses, leaves, fruits, and cactus pads while storing water and energy for harsh dry periods. Its massive shell and heavy body made it exceptionally well protected, while males could shove, ram, and bite during disputes. The original Floreana population was driven to extinction by human exploitation and introduced animals, though related hybrid descendants have been identified among Galápagos tortoises.
- Type
- Shell
- Conservation status
- EX
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Charles Island Giant Tortoise