It is thought that the Galapagos housed a population of roughly 200,000-300,000 giant tortoises, before humans arrived. This compares to a population of around 15,000 at the current time. Rangers have been trying to boost the rate of recovery, by taking eggs from the wild, raising the tortoises in captivity and releasing them, when their survival is more likely – with 560 animals returned to the wild in 2023 (it should be noted, that wild this is an impressive number, at that rate, it would take several centuries for the population to fully recover).
The project (Iniciativa Galapagos) aims to rewild 15 species across the range, including the giant tortoise, iguana and wandering tortoise.
There are 15 documented giant tortoise subspecies across the island chain with 2 extinct: the Pinta Island tortoise and the Floreana Island giant tortoise, however by careful cross mating of surviving species, it is hoped to bring something very similar back and release it into the wild.
Lonesome George was famous for being the last Pinta island tortoise alive, from his finding in 1972 to his death in 2012 he was the last of his subspecies. It should be noted, that all the subspecies are closely related, and are thought to have evolved in just the last 3 million years
These animals are essential parts of the Galapagos islands ecosystem, including Seed dispersal, Clearing vegetation, Creating nutrient-rich water, Stirring up insects and maintaining clearings.
As such, the ecosystem is doing less well, with a current population of less than 5% of historical levels, but as the population recovers, this will improve.
Having said this, it is just a small start, and work must continue for decades to made a significant difference.