CR

Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise

Chelonoidis guntheri

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Chelonoidis guntheri faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from invasive plant species, particularly guava and blackberry, which alter the native vegetation structure essential for tortoise foraging and nesting. Introduced mammals including feral goats, pigs, and cattle compete for food resources and trample nesting sites, while feral cats and dogs pose direct predation threats to juveniles. Climate variability affecting rainfall patterns on Sierra Negra volcano further stresses the limited population by reducing available vegetation during dry periods.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to the highlands of Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, inhabiting humid zones with dense vegetation between 200-1,000 meters elevation. The tortoises prefer areas with native shrubs and grasses that provide both food sources and shelter, particularly favoring the transition zones between arid lowlands and moist highland forests.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Other threatened species in TESTUDINIDAE

VU

Wolf Volcano Giant Tortoise

Chelonoidis becki

Unknown
EN

Chelonoidis chathamensis

Increasing
VU

Chelonoidis vandenburghi

Increasing
VU

Geochelone gigantea

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Puya longispina

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise classified as Critically Endangered?
Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Chelonoidis guntheri faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from invasive plant species, particularly guava and blackberry, which alter the native vegetation structure essential for tortoise foraging and nesting. Introduced mammals including feral goats, pigs, and cattle compete for food resources and trample nesting sites, while feral cats and dogs pose direct predation threats to juveniles. Climate variability affecting rainfall patterns on Sierra Negra volcano further stresses the limited population by reducing available vegetation during dry periods.
Where does Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise live?
Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise?
The main threats to Sierra Negra Giant Tortoise are 10.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 5.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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