There are on our planet earth, to reach which is not easy.Among them are the Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean.This is the territory of Ecuador.The fame brought them living here rare species of animals and reptiles.Having visited this remarkable corner of the planet in 1835, Charles Darwin came to think about the creation of the famous work "The Origin of Species."Even then, he described the found on the islands of huge turtles, similar to found in 1972, the male specimen, was nicknamed Lonesome George.
In 1959, Ecuador announced the creation of the Galapagos National Park.In the same year, and they founded the Charles Darwin Foundation, which originally was supposed to contribute to the preservation of local unique ecosystem.Today, scientists are conducting research aimed at studying the rare species of fauna and flora that live in the Galapagos.This fund has a research station on one of the islands.It kept her Lonesome George.Do not be surprised by such an unusual name.His name was in honor of a turtle popular American actor George tapestry.
Until recently, this was considered the last representative of the giant subspecies Abingdonskaya ivory, but modern research scientists have shown that the planet must still exist individuals who have similar genetic traits with him.
For several decades, in the park, where he was kept Lonesome George, trying to get out of it offspring.Once almost succeeded.Living with him in the same cage turtles laid eggs from which were hatched young.For better safety, they were placed in an incubator at ideal conditions.But the embryos were not viable.According to scientists, the eggs were unfertilized.
Although it is believed that the ability to reproduce this type of turtle does not lose for 200 years, but this time there was no miracle.Lonesome George died, and remains the only representative of the species.
It is believed that these reptiles were wiped out about 150 years ago.Documents of the time indicate that the local population uses them for food, and sailors, calling the islands were not averse to eat delicacies.Sailors called the turtles living canned, because they were able to stay a long time in the hold without food and water.This led to their extinction as a species.
Unfortunately, despite the very cautious attitude, and Lonesome George died.Turtle, according to scientists, barely reached its centennial milestone.According to experts it is believed that he died a natural death, and failing to leave behind offspring.
the example of these reptiles can be traced back as far as irrational and cruel man behaves.After all, if it were not for the extermination of food, this kind could exist on the earth to this day, people admire his longevity and extent inherent in all turtles on earth.
