Why is it in the news?
Over 150 giant tortoises reintroduced to Floreana Island after disappearing more than a century ago.
Category: Geography
Important Points:
● Official name: Santa Maria
● Located in southern Galápagos Archipelago, off west coast of Ecuador
● Volcanic island spanning about 173 sq. km
● Situated ~1,000 km from mainland Ecuador
● First colonised by Ecuadorians in 1832
● Earlier functioned as penal colony
● Current population about 150 residents
● Known for historic Post Office Bay barrel mail system
● Goats removed by Galápagos National Park in 2007
● Has 54 IUCN Red-Listed species threatened by invasive mammals