Globin-intron Sequences Imply Molecular Relationships Between the Galapagos Giant Tortoise and the Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Respiratory exchange and body size in the Aldabra giant tortoise.

A decrease in metabolic rate per unit body weight with increase in size has been demonstrated for a large number of organisms. Kleiber (1947), Zeuthen (1947, 1953) and Hemmingsen (i960) have given comprehensive reviews in which they point out that although in all cases the relationship O2 consumption = aW b is applicable, there are wide variations in the value of the exponent (b). In some cases...

Conserving the Galapagos giant tortoise: First steps towards lifetime tracks

Persistence of distinctive morphotypes in the native range of the CITES‐listed Aldabra giant tortoise

Understanding the extent of morphological variation in the wild population of Aldabra giant tortoises is important for conservation, as morphological variation in captive populations has been interpreted as evidence for lingering genes from extinct tortoise lineages. If true, this could impact reintroduction programmes in the region. The population of giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll is subdivi...

Demographic Outcomes and Ecosystem Implications of Giant Tortoise Reintroduction to Española Island, Galapagos

Restoration of extirpated species via captive breeding has typically relied on population viability as the primary criterion for evaluating success. This criterion is inadequate when species reintroduction is undertaken to restore ecological functions and interactions. Herein we report on the demographic and ecological outcomes of a five-decade-long population restoration program for a critical...

Lacking conservation genomics in the giant Galápagos tortoise

Conservation policy in the giant Galápagos tortoise, an iconic endangered animal, has been assisted by genetic markers for ~15 years: a dozen loci have been used to delineate thirteen (sub)species, between which hybridization is prevented. Here, comparative reanalysis of a previously published NGS data set reveals a conflict with traditional markers. Genetic diversity and population substructur...