06-02-06-037-s

Name: Date:

Subject: Year 6 Literacy Unit: Galapagos tortoise

Galpagos Tortoise
Quick facts Diet: Herbivore Life span in the wild: 100 years or more Size: 1.2 m Weight: 215 kg Status: Endangered

The Galpagos tortoise (Geochelone elephantophus) is the largest tortoise in the world. They are found on the Galpagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean and spend most of their day grazing. They are cold-blooded animals so they must bask in the sun to stay warm. They spend the cool nights sheltered under rocks or bushes. Galpagos tortoises are an endangered species and only 3,000 5,000 remain on the islands. They suffer from animals like rats, dogs and pigs that eat their eggs. Galpagos tortoises are herbivores (plant eating) and feed on grass, leaves, vines, cactus and berries. These slow moving giants can go without food or water for a whole year.

Females dig a hole on the beach 30 cm deep to lay their eggs. They lay their eggs in the nest, cover them over with sand and leave them. After 4 - 8 months the eggs hatch and the young tortoises must find their way up to the surface.

Habitat destruction and illegal hunting are the two main threats to adult tortoises.
Primary Leap Ltd. 2010 www.primaryleap.co.uk - Primary Resources

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06-02-06-037-s

Name: Date:

Subject: Year 6 Literacy Unit: Galapagos tortoise

Galpagos Tortoise
Answer the following questions:
1. Does the Galpagos tortoise eat meat or plants? ___________________________________________________________________ 2. In which ocean would you find a Galpagos tortoise? ___________________________________________________________________ 3. What is the scientific name for a Galpagos tortoise? ___________________________________________________________________ 4. Galpagos tortoises are.... a b endangered extinct c near threatened

d vulnerable

5. How do Galpagos tortoises stay warm? ___________________________________________________________________ 6. How many tortoises are there on the islands? ___________________________________________________________________ 7. Where does a female tortoise lay her eggs? ___________________________________________________________________ 8. What are the two main threats to adult tortoises? ___________________________________________________________________
Primary Leap Ltd. 2010