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The Galap\u00e1gos giant tortoise is the largest species of tortoise alive today<\/p>\n
The most famous resident of the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands is the Gal\u00e1pagos giant tortoise which can live for over 100 years. The name \u2018Gal\u00e1pagos\u2019 even comes from the old Spanish word for tortoises.<\/p>\n
The Santa Cruz highlands and Alcedo Volcano on Isabela have the largest populations of giant tortoises. Populations can also be found on Santiago, San Cristobal, Pinzon, and Espanola.<\/p>\n
This giant tortoise spends an average of 16 hours a day basking in the sun, resting and grazing, playing an important role in seed dispersal. They also have a symbiotic relationship with small birds on the islands which can be seen sitting on the back of tortoises, picking out the ticks in their shells and skin folds.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> The Gal\u00e1pagos giant tortoise can grow up to 1.8m but are on average 1.5m. Gal\u00e1pagos giant tortoises show large variation in size and shape but all 15 species can be classed into two main shell types: domed and saddle-backed. Saddle-backed tortoises have an upward curve to the front of their shell, allowing them to stretch up to reach higher growing plants, while dome-shelled tortoises lack this upward angle.<\/p>\n Gal\u00e1pagos giant tortoises eat a variety of vegetation including grasses, fruits and cactus pads, however they can survive for up to a year without water or food.<\/p>\nHow big are Gal\u00e1agos giant tortoises?<\/h2>\n
What do Gal\u00e1pagos giant tortoise eat?<\/h2>\n