Galapagos Wildlife: Giant Tortoise, Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station conducts research for Galapagos conservation, focusing on marine and terrestial conservation. The station is dedicated to restoring the tortoise dynasty, monitoring green sea turtles, and sustainable tourism.

Tours of the station to see the giant tortoises are available.

At one time, the giant tortoises of the Galapagos islands were plentiful, and included five distinct forms. Now, after being nearly wiped out, they are protected by law. Different forms live on different islands, with the exception of Isabella, and conservation and breeding programs are in force.

The giant tortoises eat grasses, cacti, and other vegetation during the day. They drink water from pools when available, but have the ability to produce their own water by a metabolic process. They can go for more than a year without drinking or eating.