Western santa cruz tortoise
A species of Galápagos giant tortoises and allies, Also known as Santa cruz giant tortoise Scientific name : Chelonoidis porteri Genus : Galápagos giant tortoises and allies
Western santa cruz tortoise, A species of Galápagos giant tortoises and allies
Also known as:
Santa cruz giant tortoise
Scientific name: Chelonoidis porteri
Genus: Galápagos giant tortoises and allies
Content
Description General Info
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Description
The Western Santa Cruz tortoise (Chelonoidis porteri) is a species of Galápagos tortoise endemic to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. They are found only on the southwestern slops of the island, with an estimated range of 141 sq. kilometers. There are approximately 3400 individuals in the wild, and have seen rising numbers in population, despte being critically endangered. MtDNA evidence shows that there are actually three genetically distinct populations on Santa Cruz Island. The
General Info
Lifespan
80-120 years
Diet
Western santa cruz tortoise is predominantly a herbivore, subsisting mainly on grasses, leaves, and cacti. It has a preference for Opuntia cacti, a food source rich in water, essential for survival in its arid environments. It also ingests small amounts of invertebrates occasionally.
Appearance
Western santa cruz tortoise is a large, blunt-bodied tortoise with thick, rough, brown-gray skin. Its domed shell is dark greenish-brown, often weathered looking. Its limbs are thick and robust, ending in strong claws, and its head is relatively small with a slight snout. Both males and females appear similar, with males being slightly larger and having a longer, more downward curved carapace than females.
Behavior
Western santa cruz tortoise displays distinctly slow movements, typified by its foraging behavior and sedentary lifestyle. Mostly solitary creatures, western santa cruz tortoise show a preference for isolation, rarely engaging in social interactions apart from breeding. Intensely territorial, western santa cruz tortoise will often use their shells in aggressive encounters, displaying an unusual behaviour among reptiles.
Population
Increasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Tortoises Species
Western santa cruz tortoise 
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