Galapagos Tortoises Return to the Highlands of Santa Cruz

Galapagos Tortoise in Santa Cruz Highlands by int_enter

Galapagos Tortoises are the largest living species of tortoise in the world with weights up to 900 pounds and lengths of 6 feet.  The are 15 recognized subspecies of tortoises in the Galapagos Islands  11 of which are still in existence. 
For most visitors the best chance they have to see the gentle giants in the wild is in the highlands of Santa Cruz.  Each year in the rainy season female tortoises make the trek up the island to reach the highlands.  They spend several months here feeding on the lush green plants, enjoying the cool muddy waters.  It is here in the highlands that the tortoises mate - peak mating season is from February to July.   Once pregnant the females trek back down to the sandy coast to lay their eggs.
This time of year there are hundreds of tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands.  You can frequently see tortoises crossing the main road to Baltra as well as by visiting one of the tortoise reserves.