Topic: Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Tortoise 'Lonesome George' may have had relatives after all

Genetic samples showed that some tortoises recently DNA tested were hybrids that had a parent like Lonesome George from the subspecies Chelonoidis abingdoni.

Galapagos tortoise: a resurrection from extinction?

Galapagos tortoise became extinct after June death of Lonesome George. But scientists say cross-breeding could bring Galapagos tortoise back.

Latin America Monitor
Galapagos giant tortoise Lonesome George dies after not so lonely life (+video)

Lonesome George is believed to be the last of his subspecies, but he hardly had time for loneliness: The tortoise had constant company from journalists, scientists, and potential mates.

Latin America Monitor
Princess Cruise passes stranded fishing boat, denting cruisliners' image again

A luxury liner sailed past a stranded fishing boat from Panama, even though passengers aboard spotted three men adrift. Two of the fishermen died.

Latin America Monitor
Is Ecuador prepared to counter rise in organized crime?

Ecuador has been described as the 'United Nations of organized crime,' but authorities may underestimate the repercussions, writes guest blogger Elyssa Pachico.

'Extinct' humongous Galapagos tortoise could be making a comeback

A genetic analysis of a Galapagos tortoise revealed DNA from a related species thought to have gone extinct 150 years ago, suggesting that the two species are mating and producing hybrid offspring. 

Editorial Board Blog
US voters are ready to 'throw the bums out' on Election Day. But who are the bums?

Hostility to incumbents is strong this fall. Animus against the 'elite' may be stronger.

Global News Blog
14-year-old Dutch sailor Laura Dekker sets sail – despite growing controversy

Laura Dekker set sail from Portugal Saturday in a bid to become the youngest sailor to circumnavigate the globe.

Wildflower

Now in paperback, the story of Joan Root’s trajectory from documentarian to conservationist to murder victim makes a captivating summer read.

Sagging in polls, Australia's government toughens stance on asylum seekers

Australia's Labor government, which recently fell behind in the polls for the first time since taking power, has imposed a freeze on asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

Carbon offsets: How a Vatican forest failed to reduce global warming

From a scheme to create an algae bloom in the South Pacific to a Vatican forest in the plains of Hungary – how one carbon offset developer's ideas failed to reduce global warming.

Global News Blog
Why are Galapagos sea lions moving to Peru?

A colony of sea lions from the Galapagos Islands recently migrated 1,000 miles southeast to Peru, say a Lima-based ocean group. Was this migration – and others like it – caused by climate change?

Difference Maker
People making a difference: Emily Pozo

Living in the Galápagos, famous for exotic wildlife, this educator turns her attention to the needs of its people.

The New Economy
Laid off? Don't pitch your business card.