Galapagos Pinta Island

This Galapagos Island is the famous birthplace of Giant Tortoise Lonesome George. The English name of this Island is Abingdon. It has Has an area of 60 km2 and a maximum altitude of 850 meters.

A good variety of wildlife like swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, sparrow hawks, fur seals can be seen here. Some rocks from past eruptions are called "abingtonite" thus giving the name to this Island.

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Many of the lavas erupted during the shield stage have very abundant large white crystals of plagioclase. While plagioclase is common in basaltic lavas, the remarkable abundance and size of these crystals on this Island is extremely unusual.

Pinta Island is the ninth largest Island in the Galapagos Archipelago, this Island has no real visitor sites, and while there are plenty of places to land here, researchers require a special permit to go ashore from the Galapagos National Park

Many years ago this Island had a thriving giant tortoise population. But, over the years the number of these giant tortoises diminished greatly due to pirates, fishermen and whalers.

In past years the introduced animals like goats caused a great deal of harm to the natural habitat of this Island.

The goats not only ate up all the plants and shrubs here, but also brought various diseases to the Island affecting its local wildlife.

Fortunately by now Pinta Island is one of six major Islands in Galapagos that has had notable success in the eradication of introduced goats, which were completely removed after a 30 year campaign.

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Today, Lonesome George (perhaps the most famous tortoise in the Galapagos Islands) is the last remaining subspecies of tortoise from Pinta Island, and though many efforts have been made to breed him with other tortoises, they have so far been unsuccessful.

You can now visit Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research station located on Santa Cruz Island. See Our Galapagos Island Tour Options

Galapagos Recommended Reading

Galapagos: A Natural History
This is an attractive and comprehensive guidebook. You will find an easy-to-use text which details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands. (This book is the "Bible" for all travelers to the Galapagos)

Marine Life of the Galapagos: Divers' Guide
A definitive guide that introduces many new species of marine life never seen before, and rich with stunning color photography and underwater shots. Written for readers and divers with a passion for visiting a world-acclaimed diving destination.

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