WASHINGTON, October 30. US scientists conducted a study population of Galapagos tortoises on the island of Hispaniola, and concluded that the extinction of them are no longer threatened.
In 1960 on the island of Hispaniola (part of the Galapagos Islands) had only 15 Galapagos tortoises. To save the population of giant reptiles was conducted long-term program of repatriation: turtles that were in captivity in various countries, parties were returned to their homeland from 1975 to 2007 – all for this period on the island of Hispaniola in 1482 moved Galapagos tortoises at the age of two to five years.
Scientists from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry examined the results of the program saving the turtles examined data Galapagos National Park for 40 years, and have made optimistic conclusions: more than half of unleashed animals are still alive, they have successfully adapted and produce offspring.
According to specialists, the island is home to about 1000 Giants. “This is a rare example of how biologists and managers can work together to restore the species at risk of extinction,” – said the head of research, biology professor James Gibbs.
Scientists predict that within the next hundred years, the island of Hispaniola is the abundance of Galapagos tortoises, the “My Planet”. Fertility and survival suggests that the extinction of species is possible even if you do not bring in new individuals.
However, as Gibbs said, there is one obstacle to the growth of the population. This change to the usual turtles landscape. The soils on the carbon content in different layers, the researchers found that over the past 150 years, the vegetation of the island has changed a lot, became dominated by small plants, grasses, shrubs and small trees. They impede the movement of Galapagos tortoises and prevent the growth of cactus, which feed on these giants.
“is inhabited Turtle Island – is one of the tasks, but the ecological restoration of their habitats will take much longer,” – said Gibbs.
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