This Aug. 30, 2015 photo released by Galapagos National Park shows a new species of tortoise on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The national park said in a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 that the discovery of the species brings to 15 t
Scientists have discovered a new species of giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador, through genetic testing.
The tortoise is the 15th known species on the archipelago, four of which are extinct. Its discovery was announced in a paper published online by PLOS One.
Yale University biologist Gisella Caccione led the investigation that identified the new species, which lives on Santa Cruz island.
The discovery will help protect and restore the tortoise, which is vulnerable as its numbers are estimated at 250, said Washington Tapia, head of giant tortoise conservation at Galapagos National Park.
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