tortuga gigante

The tortuga gigante, or giant tortoise, was a large land turtle that lived thousands of years ago, primarily in the Galápagos Islands and nearby regions. Known for their impressive size and slow movement, these tortoises could weigh over 500 pounds and live more than a century. They played a vital role in their ecosystems by shaping the landscape through grazing and seed dispersal. Due to overhunting and habitat loss, most giant tortoise species went extinct by the 19th century, though some populations still exist today through conservation efforts. They are important symbols of biodiversity and environmental resilience.