Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise

About

The Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise, scientifically known as Chelonoidis niger donfaustoi, is a genetically distinct subspecies of Galápagos tortoise found exclusively on the eastern part of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. This subspecies was identified and named in 2015, marking a significant discovery in the field of herpetology. The Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise is distinguished from other Galápagos tortoises by its unique genetic profile and morphological characteristics, such as shell size and shape. It is part of a clade that includes tortoises from San Cristóbal, Española, and Pinta. The population of the Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise is estimated to be around 250 individuals, making it a critically endangered species. Conservation efforts are crucial due to its small population size and the presence of threats such as introduced species. The species is named in honor of Fausto Llerena Sánchez, a dedicated park ranger who contributed significantly to giant tortoise conservation. The discovery of this subspecies highlights the importance of genetic and morphological studies in understanding biodiversity and informing conservation strategies.