Easy Kitchen

Gossip Trip

Traveler Journeys

Kids Life

MusicVersity

Pets Lover

Healthily

Sports City

Engine Start

Style Mania

Urban Life

ANIMAL CURIOSITIES

Diego, the king of reproductive activity: here's how it saved its species from extinction

Today you can discover the story of a giant tortoise from Galapagos called Diego, whose passion and determination helped save its species from extinction.

Thanks to its incredible breeding ability and the collaboration of a team of experts, Diego has become a national hero and an example of how even a single individual can make a difference in wildlife conservation.

Through a series of photographs, we will guide you through the journey of Diego, from its life on the desolate island where it was discovered, to its breeding life in national parks, to the moment it was released into the wild, becoming a symbol of hope for its species and for the world.

Wikimedia Commons Rights / Getty Images (collage)

Diego, the king of reproductive activity: here's how he saved its species from extinction

Today you can discover the story of a giant tortoise from Galapagos called Diego, whose passion and determination helped save its species from extinction. Thanks to its incredible breeding ability and the collaboration of a team of experts, Diego has become a national hero and an example of how even a single individual can make a difference in wildlife conservation.Through a series of photographs, we will guide you through the journey of Diego, from its life on the desolate island where it was discovered, to its breeding life in national parks, to the moment it was released into the wild, becoming a symbol of hope for its species and the world.

By Kaldari - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85879070

Diego, a crucial role

Diego is a famous giant tortoise that played a crucial role in saving its species from extinction. The turtle belongs to the subspecies Chelonoidis hoodensis and was found in the Galapagos islands. These islands are famous for their unique flora and fauna and are home to several species of giant tortoises. However, Chelonoidis hoodensis was on the brink of extinction, with only 12 individuals remaining in the 1960s.

Photo by RODRIGO BUENDIA / AFP (Getty Images)

Selected

Born on the island of Española, it arrived in 1959 in the United States and for 17 years lived in the zoo at San Diego, hence its name. Diego was later identified as an "alpha male" and was brought back to the Island of Española (Galápagos) for a captive breeding program. Diego 's participation in the program was crucial as it fathered over 800 offspring, more than any other turtle in the program. Its efforts helped increase the population of the subspecies Chelonoidis hoodensis from 12 to over 2000 individuals.

By Peter Wilton - Galápagos tortoiseUploaded by Magnus Manske, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia

Popular

The survival rate of the offspring on the island was about 50 percent. Although there were also other male turtles that had contributed to the reproduction, Diego was the most notorious for its aggressiveness and exuberance, which made it particularly popular among female turtles.

By Peter Wilton - Galápagos tortoiseUploaded by Magnus Manske, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia

Symbol of hope

The breeding program ended in January 2020: Diego was officially retired and released back into the wild in June 2020 along with 14 other turtles from the program. Thanks to the efforts of this breeding program, the number of turtles on their original island has increased significantly and they are considered self-sustaining with no new influx from the young of the program. Diego has become a symbol of hope for endangered species and an example of how conservation efforts can be successful. Its story also inspires people to protect other endangered species and preserve their natural habitats.

Cats

23/04/2024

Living with a cat benefits health (and mood): science says so

If you are a cat lover, you will be happy to know that living with a four-legged feline can bring numerous benefits to your health and mood.

This is proven by scientific studies, which have analyzed the benefits that cats can bring to people who share their lives with them. You'll discover how cats can help reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, protect you from allergies, reveal a lot about your personality, and even save your life in emergency situations.

Get ready to discover the scientific side of the cat world and rediscover a love for these wonderful animals. (Source: focus)

Animal Curiosities

22/04/2024

10 of the heaviest animals on Earth

Tons upon tons: the heaviest animals reach crazy numbers. Here are the maximum weights in the animal kingdom.

In general, the absolute heaviest animal is the blue whale, whose average weight is around 110-150 tonnes (the heaviest ever recorded even reached 199 tonnes!).

In the ranking, however, we have only considered terrestrial animals or animals that have both terrestrial and aquatic habits. Browse the photo gallery to find out more.

Cats

21/04/2024

Purring and other often misunderstood signals: here's how to tell if your cat is angry

A purring cat is not always a positive sign, and just like other signs, it is often misunderstood.

Cats are wonderful animals, but can often be difficult for people to understand, especially when it comes to interpreting their mood.

The signals a cat sends can easily be misunderstood, which can lead to incorrect interactions with the animal.

In this photo gallery, we explore some of the facial expressions and cat behaviours that are often misinterpreted, to help cat owners and lovers better understand their kitty and establish a harmonious relationship with them.

Companion Animals

20/04/2024

How to protect dogs and cats from parasites? Five tips

Parasites are a constant concern for anyone with pets. Fleas, ticks and mites can cause discomfort and health problems for our four-legged friends.

It is essential to take preventive measures to protect dogs and cats from these unwanted pests.

Here are five valuable tips to protect your pets and keep your home environment safe and comfortable.

Animal Curiosities

19/04/2024

Endangered animals: beauty on endangered sea turtles

Sea turtles are a superfamily of Testudines adapted to marine life. Thanks to the elongated shape of their bodies, which are covered by a robust shell (or carapace), and the presence of 'legs' turned into flippers, these turtles have adapted perfectly to marine life.

They are among the oldest tetrapods on Earth, but in recent decades, due to climate change in the seas, dwindling food resources and pollution of the seas, they have become an endangered species in need of protection by the international community.

It is undeniable that human hunting has also contributed to bringing this species to the brink of extinction. Perhaps by knowing more about this wonderful animal, we can contribute to its worldwide repopulation.

Animal Curiosities

18/04/2024

Not just the ability to change color: the amazing facts about chameleons

Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of chameleons, fascinating and incredibly adaptable creatures.

With their vibrant colours and camouflaging abilities, these animals never cease to amaze.

Follow their adventure as they camouflage themselves among the leaves of their habitat, becoming invisible to the eyes of predators. But their skills don't stop there: discover how they manage to change the colour of their skin to communicate, court or defend themselves.

Let's discover together some interesting facts about chameleons that will make you reflect on the extraordinary diversity of nature.

Ferocious animals

17/04/2024

Eight animals considered most dangerous: what are they and how many people do they kill?

There are many species in nature that are truly dangerous, but some are distinguished by their strength, predatory abilities and their natural reflex to attack to protect themselves or to hunt.

Animals that are truly dangerous can be found all over the world: there is no place on the planet that is without dangerous species to keep away from.

What are eight of the most dangerous animals and which animals kill the most humans each year? Let's find out together: (source: discoverwildlife.com)

Gossip Trip