Western Santa Cruz tortoise
The western Santa Cruz tortoise is a species of Galápagos tortoise endemic to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. They are found only on the southwestern slopes of the island, with an estimated range of 141 sq. kilometers. There are approximately 3400 individuals in the wild, and have seen rising numbers in population, despite being critically endangered. MtDNA evidence shows that there are actually three genetically distinct populations on Santa Cruz Island. They are characterised by a black, oval carapace that is domed, higher in the centre than in the front, and broad anteriorly.
In 2015, the small, eastern Cerro Fatal population of the island was described as a distinct species, C. donfaustoi, most closely related to chathamensis, while the main southwestern porteri population was found to be closer to the Floreana and southern Isabela tortoises.
