![]() A less common bird to look out for is the endemic Galapagos hawk, whose population is in decline and has been classed as "vulnerable". In terms of birdlife to be seen on the island, swallow-tailed gulls are frequently observed gliding through the skies. ![]() Consequently, to witness these new residents on Pinta would not only be a memorable experience, but also a positive sign of things to come. For an island that has for so long been without a giant tortoise population, this groundbreaking project has proved to be an exciting first step for the future of Pinta's biodiversity. Although Pinta no longer possesses it own endemic species of giant tortoise, a recent pioneering conservation project has resulted in 39 hybrid tortoises being repopulated to the island. Wildlife spotting opportunities on Pinta are many and varied. Such pioneering conservation efforts include Project Pinta: a multi-year project aimed at the restoration of Lonesome George's native island. Today Pinta is a symbol of both the negative impact humans can have, and our increasing capacity to achieve ecological restoration of degraded areas. The island is also a good site for seeing marine iguanas and fur seals. All visitors that wish to go ashore on the island will require a special permit from the Galapagos National Park.Īlthough relatively small in terms of area, Pinta is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos hawks and an array of other spectacular birdlife. Pinta has no real visitor sites as such, although there are a number of landing sites around the island. The island is probably best known for being the birthplace of world renowned Lonesome George, the last remaining subspecies of Pinta giant tortoise, which has now become a representation of the vulnerability of the Galapagos Islands. Pinta is the ninth largest of the Galapagos islands, situated in the northernmost part of the archipelago. Read more about Lonesome George from Pinta Island here.Island Highlights: Swallow Tailed Gull, Marine Iguana, Galapagos Hawk, Fur Seal, Giant Tortoise, Project Pinta Although many efforts have been made to breed Lonesome George with other tortoises over the years, they have all been unsuccessful thus far. Lonesome George is the last survivor of the subspecies of tortoise from Isla Pinta. In addition, with the introduction of goats in 1958 to the islands by whalers and fishermen, a lot of harm was caused to the plants and vegetation of Pinta Island and to the wildlife that inhabited it. At one time Isla Pinta had a thriving tortoise population, however due to the poaching of these giants by fishermen and whalers over the years, the number of these tortoises has diminished to the point that there is only one specimen left alive today. With a total area of just 23 square miles, or 60 square kilometers, Pinta Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, fur seals and a number of other birds and mammals. Visitors require a special permit from the Galapagos National Park to go ashore on Pinta Island and it cannot be visited on a normal Galapagos cruise. Isla Pinta, also known as Abingdon Island, is the 9th largest island in the Galapagos, Pinta Island has no visitor sites, although there are several landing sites around the Island. ![]() Pinta Island is the birth place and original home of Lonesome George, the most famous tortoise in the Galapagos Islands. Geology: Pinta Island is a shield volcano with numerous young cones and lava flows originating from NNW-trending fissures. Vegetation: Typical of arid zone, sparse. Outstanding characteristics: This island was the home to Lonesome George, the last remaining specimen of the Pinta Island Tortoise. Animals Regularly Seen: Swallow Tailed Gulls, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Hawks, Fur Seals.
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