14 Unknown Facts You Should Know About Galapagos Tortoise

              Kingdom : Animalia
                     Class : Mammalia
                  Family : Testudinidae
   Scientific Name : Geochelone Nigra

                       Size : 1 - 1.2m (3.2 - 4ft)
                  Weight : 200 - 300kg 
                                  (441 - 661lbs)
            Top Speed : 0.5km/h (0.3mph)
             Life Span : 100 - 150 years

                 Colour : Brown, Grey
            Skin Type : Scales
 Special Features : Hard shell over body
                                 and long neck

1. Galapagos Tortoise is the largest species of tortoise in the world.
2. They are also known as the Giant Galapagos Tortoise.
3. They were first documented by Charles Darwin during his trip to Galapagos islands.
4. They grow to be around 1-1.2m in length.
5. They are also one of the tortoise species with the longest life span of around 100-150 years.
6. There are around 12 known species of Galapagos Tortoise.
7. Of these 2 species are extinct because of lack of food due to introduction of goats and their consequent grazing.
8. Galapagos Tortoises are known for their long necks which gives them a slight resemblance to dinosaur.
9. They are quiet, peaceful and lazy, known to forage for food during the day.
10. They spend their nights, submerged in water or in shrub land.
11. They are extremely slow moving animals with a top speed of 0.3 mph.
12. Interestingly, male Galapagos Tortoise move at surprising speeds during the mating season.
13. Their shell and scaly skin on their legs and head act as an armor and protect the tortoise.
14. They are herbivores grazing on grass and low trees.