Galápagos giant tortoise

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A reference overview

The Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis niger), also called the Galápagos giant tortoise, is a very large species of tortoise in the genus Chelonoidis (which also contains three smaller species from mainland South America). The species comprises 15 subspecies (12 extant and 3 extinct). It is the largest living species of tortoise, and can weigh up to 417 kg (919 lb).

Overview excerpt from Wikipedia contributors · Galápagos tortoise, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Excerpt may be shortened. Overview retrieved 2026-10-09.

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This overview is attributed to Wikipedia contributors and was retrieved on 2026-10-09. Retrieval is not independent scientific review.

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The picture has a linked creator and license. Extinct-animal images may show a fossil, specimen or reconstruction; a reconstruction is not a photograph of the living animal.

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Map points represent selected regions, not complete ranges or live sightings. References and identifications can change. A linked source is not an expert certification.

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Galápagos giant tortoise

A reference overview

The evidence behind this discovery

Where will this discovery take you?

Komodo dragon ↗

What can a picture tell you? ↗

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