Galapagos Tortoise

These reptiles are creatures of habit, they feed at the same place, sleep at a regular time, and travel the same trails. Some paths have been carved into the landscape by thousands of tortoises! They need plenty of sleep as well, around 16 hours a day.

These giants don't start life that way. While an adult may weigh over 400lbs. a newly-hatched Galapagos tortoise weighs about 3oz.

South America

At A Glance

Habitat

Grassland, volcanic highlands, scrub forest (the tortoise travels between these areas each day)

Diet

Grasses, forbs, leaves, and unusual plants such as stinging nettles and manzanillo fruit that burns human skin

Location

Galapagos Islands