The Galapagos Tortoise is a remarkably gentle competitor in the animal kingdom.
The Galapagos Tortoise is the largest living tortoise species today and arguably the most famous animal in the Galapagos Islands. They have a massive body, weighing up to 400 kg and measuring 1.8 m in shell length.
However, beyond their “sturdy” physique, these tortoises possess many unique behaviors and characteristics that no other animal has been able to replicate.
The Galapagos Tortoise is the largest living tortoise species today.
First of all, the Galapagos tortoise is not only “large” but also one of the longest-lived terrestrial animals, with an average lifespan of over a century. In captivity, they can reach a record age of 176 years.
While the saying “Slow as a tortoise” holds true in most cases, it is a bit different for the Galapagos tortoise. Of course, they are generally slow, but during the breeding season, they become unusually energetic and can move up to 13 km in two days.
The Galapagos Tortoise is not only “large” but also one of the longest-lived terrestrial animals.
The Galapagos tortoise is clearly native to the Galapagos Islands, located just off the coast of Ecuador. However, what many people do not know is that the islands are named after the tortoises, not the other way around.
The story began when Spanish sailors discovered the area in 1535 and found tortoises everywhere. They decided to name the islands after the word “galapago,” an old Spanish term meaning “saddle,” due to the shape of the tortoise’s shell. People even used to ride these saddle-backed tortoises before realizing it was harmful to these giant reptiles.
Speaking of the term “saddle,” this tortoise species has two distinct types: the larger variety with a rounded, dome-shaped shell and the smaller variety with a saddle-like shell that curves upwards.
Two different “breeds” of Galapagos Tortoises.
Their shells are not entirely solid; they have a honeycomb structure that contains air pockets to reduce weight, allowing them to carry such a mass all day long. Of course, this shell is also attached to their bodies and houses many internal organs, making it an inseparable part of them.
However, one of the most interesting characteristics of this tortoise is observed during disputes. Conflicts between Galapagos tortoises usually occur among males over territory, food, or mates.
The one with the highest neck will automatically win.
To “duel,” the two tortoises will glare at each other, open their mouths wide, and stretch their necks as high as possible. The size of their bodies does not matter; as long as one has a higher neck, that tortoise will automatically win.
The losing tortoise will then lower its head, retract its mouth, tuck its neck back into its shell, and “shamefully” walk away in defeat.
This behavior is thought to have developed because Galapagos tortoises need long necks to reach food in trees. In particular, the saddle-backed tortoises exhibit this behavior because they live in areas with a dry climate and limited food sources (which are often located high up); therefore, every effort to resolve disputes peacefully to protect the population is essential.
