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Giant tortoise discovery - 30th May 2022

Scientists have found a new species of giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands. For many years, scientists believed that all the giant tortoises which live on San Cristobal Island were the same. Recent research has discovered some differences. The tortoises in the lowlands today are another species.

In 1906, scientists collected giant tortoise bones and shells from the Island. They decided the giant tortoises on the island were all the same species.

Recently, researchers at two large universities studied the bones again. They compared the bones and shells from 1906 with giant tortoises on the island now. They found they were different. They had discovered a new species of giant tortoise.

The Galapagos Islands are 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Charles Darwin explored the Galapagos in 1845. He made detailed notes about the huge range of unique plants, birds and animals there. After that, he developed his theory of evolution. This caused the Galapagos and giant tortoises to become famous.

Ecuador's environment minister, Gustavo Manrique Miranda, is pleased about the discovery. More research is needed. This is going to help scientists understand the giant tortoises. The lowland giant tortoises may get a new name.