Saddleback form of Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus)
Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
ECUADOR. South America
In December 2008 a team of Galapagos National Park Guards, Scientiests and Vets spent 2 weeks on the volcano capturing 1663 Giant Tortoises to take blood samples and biometric data. The blood was sent to the USA for DNA analysis. Object to look for Pinta female for Lonesome George. Distinct saddleback forms like Lonesome George found. Also Floreana genes were previously found. There seems to be a mixed gene pool possible from tortoises swimming ashore from ship wrecks etc.