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‘Extinct’ Giant Tortoise found alive

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A species of giant tortoise thought to be extinct has been found alive on the Galapagos island of Fernandina.

Last week Marcelo Mata, the Environment Minister for Ecador, announced that an adult female Chelonoidis phantasticus has been spotted.

There has only ever been one previous confirmed sighting of the species, with a single specimen found in 1906.

The one spotted recently has a smooth shell and pink snout.

At least 14 species of giant tortoise once lived on nine of the Galapagos Islands. Today, only 10 species living on six islands remain.

It was previously believed volcanic activity had wiped the species out.

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