Fernandina Giant Tortoise Isn’t Extinct
The Claim
The Chelonoidis phantasticus species of giant tortoise, otherwise known as the Fernandina giant tortoise, has been extinct for over a century.
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Emerging story
The tortoise was thought to have been extinct for over 100 years due to volcanic eruptions. In 1906, a male Fernandina giant tortoise – thought to be the last of its species – was discovered by the California Academy of Sciences.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation found that researchers, once again from the California Academy of Sciences, discovered the tortoise in 2019 during an expedition to Fernandina Island.
Genetic testing just confirmed that the tortoise is in fact Chelonoidis phantasticus, or a Fernandina giant tortoise. A video of the tortoise is below.
Of the finding, Environment Minister of Ecuador Gustavo Manrique said: “It was believed to have gone extinct more than 100 years ago! Hope is alive.”
The tortoise is thought to be over a century old and is currently housed in a Santa Cruz Island breeding facility.
