Animal Research Presentation
Galapagos Tortoise
Natural Habitat
The Galapagos tortoise is only found on the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Small, dry lowland islands
Food Chain
The Galapagos Tortoise eats almost nothing but plants its a herbivore. The Galapagos Tortoise eats prickly pear cactus and fruits, berries, water ferns, leaves, and grasses, Cactus is the preferred food. The Galapagos Hawk eats the Galapagos Tortoise. The Galapagos Tortoise eats grasses and the Galapagos Hawk eats the Galapagos Tortoise.
Reproduction and Gestation
Mating occurs generally during the rainy season and nesting from June to December. The female lays between two to 15 eggs. then digging and burying them in a hole.
4 Adaptations
The Galapagos Tortoise has a domed carapace that makes him protected from his prey. Defensive posture differs between subspecies of the Galapagos Tortoise. The Galapagos Tortoise also has a saddle-backed carapace make it having the back or upper surface curved like a saddle. Tortoises can go without eating or drinking for up to a year, because they can store food and water so well.
Threat on the Galapagos Tortoise
Poisoned Rats decreases the population of the Galapagos Tortoise. Galapagos Tortoise are also being hunted by hunters, which should be stopped. I didn't see if people were trying to stop this action but I can assume so. The IUCN statues is:EN-US FWS: June 2, 1970, VU-IUCN: 1996
Who's Helping?
People searched for living Rats in the area where Rats have been found. They also looked and are still looking for hatching Galapagos Tortoise to save before the Rats poison it.
Galapagos Tortoise Ecosystem
The Galapagos Tortoise is a Herbivore. If the Galapagos Tortoise happens to die their would be an over growth of leaves, grasses, ect. Also the Galapagos Hawk wouldn't have the Galapagos Tortoise to eat.
What can you do?
They are decreasing in population. according to the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). A Research Station exists to produce information that the government can use to protect the Galapagos. This will help protect the Galapagos Tortoise. You can donate to them and help the cause.