Geochelone nigra (Testudinidae)

Distribution: Native the Galápagos Islands.

Habitat: On islands with  dry lowlands, the tortoises are smaller, with saddleback shells and long necks. Domed tortoises live at higher altitudes in thick shrubbery which is also their food.

Appearance: A longer neck and legs with a saddle shaped shell help this tortoise reach shrubs and cactus branches beyond its reach.

Diet: Primarily tree like cactus of the genus Opuntia.

Remarks: Smaller body size allows for more rapid cooling than the larger Domed race which live at higher altitudes where it is cooler.

California Academy of Sciences Specimen collected during the 1905-06 expedition.

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