New species of giant tortoise discovered in Galapagos
Source: BBC
New species of giant tortoise discovered in Galapagos
22 October 2015 Latin America & Caribbean
Scientists say they have identified a new species of giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific.
They used genetic data to determine that a group of 250 slow-moving reptiles was distinct from another tortoise species on Santa Cruz island.
It is the 15th known tortoise species to be discovered on the archipelago, though four are now extinct.
The new species has been named "Chelonoidis donfaustoi", after a retired Galapagos park ranger.
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The newly-identified species, which is also known as the Eastern Santa Cruz tortoise, lives on the eastern side of the island and was also found to be genetically different from tortoises on other islands.
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Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-34600468
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Seriously though, a subtle variation in the shape of the shell was a dead giveaway, huh? Guess ya gotta spend a LOT of time with tortoises to pick up on THAT clue! Chasin' those buggers down must be exhausting, too! 