Galápagos giant tortoises are amazing. Found on seven of the islands, an average adult male weighs 400 to 500 pounds. The largest ones live on Santa Cruz Island. They range from 600 to 700 pounds. A few have been found over 850 pounds. The tortoise shell measures five to six feet. The shape of the carapace varies by island. Domed tortoises live among dense vegetation. Saddleback tortoises evolved in arid areas, allowing them to reach higher for food. Males on San Cristóbal Island tend to be saddleback while females are a blend of the two shapes. The life expectancy of the Galápagos giant tortoise is in excess of 100 years. Their origin is equally fascinating. Scientists believe they arrived at San Cristóbal or neighboring Española about two to three million years ago after floating from South America. Subsequently, they traveled to ten different islands in the Galápagos where they morphed into 15 species based on their environment.
