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The Pinta giant tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii) was a subspecies native to Pinta Island in the Galápagos, famously represented by 'Lonesome George,' the last known individual. The species faced decline due to overexploitation and habitat destruction, leading to its extinction in 2012. Lonesome George's legacy emphasizes the importance of conservation and the fragility of island ecosystems.

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5 views1 page

D 8 XD FXat 4 e

The Pinta giant tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii) was a subspecies native to Pinta Island in the Galápagos, famously represented by 'Lonesome George,' the last known individual. The species faced decline due to overexploitation and habitat destruction, leading to its extinction in 2012. Lonesome George's legacy emphasizes the importance of conservation and the fragility of island ecosystems.

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Pinta Giant Tortoise Notes Page 1: Introduction The Pinta giant tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii) was a subspecies of Galápagos

tortoise.
Native to Pinta Island in the Galápagos. Became famous due to "Lonesome George," the last known individual. Page 2: Taxonomy and
Classification Belonged to the family Testudinidae. One of several subspecies of giant tortoises endemic to the Galápagos Islands. Described
by Albert Günther in 1877. Page 3: Physical Characteristics Large, dome-shaped shell with a slightly saddleback shape. Adult males could
weigh up to 250 pounds (113 kg). Long necks to reach vegetation. Page 4: Habitat Native to Pinta Island, a volcanic island in the northern part
of the Galápagos. Preferred arid lowlands and shrubby vegetation. Page 5: Diet Herbivorous, feeding on cacti, grasses, leaves, and fruits. Could
survive long periods without water. Page 6: Behavior Generally solitary. Moved slowly and spent much of the day grazing. Territorial during
mating season. Page 7: Reproduction Breeding season usually during the warm season. Females laid eggs in sandy soil. Long incubation
period of 4 to 8 months. Page 8: Decline in Population Numbers declined due to overexploitation by sailors in the 19th century. Habitat
destruction caused by introduced goats that overgrazed vegetation. Page 9: Lonesome George Discovered in 1971 as the last known member
of his subspecies. Housed at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Became a conservation icon. Page 10: Conservation Efforts Attempts made
to breed George with females from other subspecies. No offspring were produced. Extensive habitat restoration on Pinta Island. Page 11:
Extinction Lonesome George died in 2012. The subspecies was declared extinct. His preserved body is on display for educational purposes.
Page 12: Legacy and Impact Symbol of the importance of conservation. Highlighted the fragility of island ecosystems. Led to stronger
protection for Galápagos species. Page 13: Genetic Studies DNA analysis revealed George was genetically distinct. Some hybrid individuals
with Pinta ancestry found on Isabela Island. Possibility of future breeding programs using these hybrids. Page 14: Related Subspecies Several
other Galápagos tortoise subspecies exist, such as Chelonoidis hoodensis from Española Island. Conservation programs have been more
successful for some subspecies. Page 15: Conclusion The Pinta giant tortoise is a powerful reminder of human impact on biodiversity. Efforts
continue to preserve remaining tortoise subspecies. Lonesome George remains an enduring symbol of conservation awareness.

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