ATGalapagos tortoise (English)Chelonoidis nigra) considered extinct in the last 100 years, since the last specimen of this species was seen in 1906. However, in 2019 a group of biologists found a specimen in Ilha Fernandina in the Galapagos archipelago, which confirms the continuity of its existence.
During a visit to the island, a team of scientists from Princeton University discovered a female giant tortoise, but were not sure what species she belonged to, as her shell was different from that of a male found more than a century ago. By analyzing and comparing their DNA, the team confirmed that they have similar genes. It has been given the name Fernanda because of the location where it was discovered and is estimated to be over 50 years old, possibly 200 years old.
“We were able to show the connection between Fernanda and another tortoise, Fernandina. [encontrada na mesma ilha] and also to see the difference between these two turtles and the species we see on other islands.”says Steven J. Gogran, one of the authors studynow published in the scientific journal Nature. “We hope there are still some of these turtles on the island. But there are probably few copies.
The tortoise is currently observed at the Turtle Center of the Galapagos National Park..
