The Galápagos giant tortoise, known scientifically as Chelonoidis nigra, inhabits the Galápagos Islands. These majestic creatures are known for their massive domed shells, long necks, and slow movements. They are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, fruits, and cacti. Notably, they can live over 100 years, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal within their ecosystem.

Chelonoidis nigra, commonly known as the Galápagos tortoise, is native to the Galápagos Islands. These islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) west of mainland Ecuador. The Galápagos tortoise is endemic to this archipelago, meaning it is not naturally found anywhere else in the world.

The Galápagos tortoise inhabits a variety of environmental conditions across the different islands. They are predominantly found in two main types of habitats: humid highlands and arid lowlands. In the humid highlands, the tortoises enjoy lush vegetation, cooler temperatures, and more consistent rainfall, which supports the growth of grasses, shrubs, and trees. In contrast, the arid lowlands are characterized by sparse vegetation, cacti, and dry, sandy soils. The climate here is much warmer and drier, with less frequent rainfall.

Galápagos tortoises occupy an ecological niche as large herbivores. They primarily feed on a variety of plant materials, including grasses, leaves, fruits, and cacti. Their feeding habits help shape the vegetation of their habitats by controlling plant growth and dispersing seeds. The tortoises' ability to survive in both highland and lowland areas demonstrates their adaptability to different environmental conditions within their native region. Variations in shell shape and size among different subspecies reflect adaptations to these diverse habitats, with dome-shaped shells more common in lush highland areas and saddle-backed shells adapted for reaching higher vegetation in the arid lowlands.