Scientists say a tortoise discovered in 2019 on the Galapagos Islands belongs to a species considered extinct more than 100 years ago.
The single female tortoise belongs to the species Chelonoidis phantasticus, according to Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Water. Yale University geneticists compared genetic samples from the female to the remains of a male and made the connection.
A tortoise from this species has not been seen since 1906.
The Minister of Environment, Gustavo Manrique, shared a photo of the tortoise and the good news on Twitter.
“Hope is intact,” he said of the discovery.
¡Se creía extinta hace más de 100 años! Hemos reconfirmado su existencia. La tortuga de la especie Chelonoidis phantasticus fue encontrada en #Galápagos. Empezar con tan buenas noticias nuestra gestión es una linda coincidencia. La esperanza está intacta. #JuntosLoLogramos pic.twitter.com/KOmBMLIfEY
— Gustavo Manrique M. (@GustavoManriq_M) May 25, 2021
The director of the Galapagos National Park says the discovery renews hope of recovery of the species.
