'Extinct' Galapagos tortoise may still exist

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16467397


The Isabela tortoises have been breeding with a close relative from elsewhere in the Galapagos

A giant Galapagos tortoise believed extinct for 150 years probably still exists, say scientists.

Chelonoidis elephantopus lived on the island of Floreana, and was heavily hunted, especially by whalers who visited the Galapagos to re-stock.

A Yale University team found hybrid tortoises on another island, Isabela, that appear to have C. elephantopus as one of their parents.

Some hybrids are only 15 years old, so their parents are likely to be alive.