Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis porteri
Silhouette: Andrew A. Farke · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassTestudines
- FamilyTestudinidae (Tortoises)
- GenusChelonoidis (Galápagos Giant Tortoises and Allies)
- SpeciesChelonoidis porteri (Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise)
About the Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise
The western Santa Cruz tortoise (Chelonoidis niger porteri) is a subspecies of Galápagos tortoise endemic to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. They are found only on the southwestern slopes of the island, with an estimated range of 141 sq. kilometers. There are approximately 3400 individuals in the wild, and have seen rising numbers in population, despite being critically endangered. MtDNA evidence shows that there are actually three genetically distinct populations on Santa Cruz Island. They are characterised by a black, oval carapace (to 130 cm) that is domed, higher in the centre than in the front, and broad anteriorly. Their life expectancy is 175 years.
In 2015, the small, eastern Cerro Fatal population of the island was described as a distinct subspecies, C. n. donfaustoi, most closely related to chathamensis (and forming a clade with it plus abingdoni and hoodensis), while the main southwestern porteri population was found to be closer to the Floreana and southern Isabela tortoises. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise in Galápagos Islands
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Galápagos Islands
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis niger
Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis guntheri
Chatham Island Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis chathamensis
Alcedo Volcano Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis vandenburghi
Isabela Island Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis vicina
Hood Island Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis hoodensis
Volcan Wolf Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis becki
Duncan Island Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis duncanensis
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galápagos Islands | 🇪🇨 Ecuador |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise in Galápagos Islands?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise sighting in Galápagos Islands, based on 842 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise in Galápagos Islands?
April has the highest sighting rate for Indefatigable Island Giant Tortoise in Galápagos Islands in our monthly data.