My tortoise travels took me on an extraordinary monthlong adventure on Aldabra atoll, one of the most remote and ecologically intact places on Earth. It’s home to the last surviving species of giant tortoises in the western Indian Ocean.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Galapagos Islands, Galápagos Tortoise, Tortoise, Tortoise Conservation
Galápagos tortoises may make annual treks of 10-15 km seeking food, water, and nesting grounds. In March I spent three weeks on Santa Cruz island with biologist Patrick Moldowan to learn more.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Mojave Desert, Mojave desert tortoise, Tortoise
It’s February in St. George, Utah, snow is on the mountains, and I’m hiking in tortoise country with about 40 other tortoise nerds. We’re here for the Desert Tortoise Council symposium, and early arrivers like me are rewarded with a field trip.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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The world’s most well-known living tortoise, Jonathan, is also one of the world’s most remote — living on a volcanic island a thousand miles off the coast of Africa.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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Tortoise, Tortoise Conservation
The Turtle Conservancy is one of those places that just seems beyond anything that should reasonably be expected to exist.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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“When did you realize you that this was something that you were meant to write?” a friend asked. “Was there one thing that flipped the switch for you?”
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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“What other bodily being possesses such a citadel wherein to resist the assaults of Time?” That’s Herman Melville talking about tortoises. In 10 vignettes he paints a portrait of the Galapagos Islands, and the tortoise is a recurring character.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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American Museum of Natural History, Galápagos Tortoise, Tortoise
When you set foot in the Hall of African Mammals at the American Museum of Natural History for the first time, it’s startling to see the elephant’s foot… at eye level.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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American Museum of Natural History, Galápagos Tortoise, Tortoise
Lonesome George’s time on earth ended before I ever got to meet him.
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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African Spurred Tortoise, American Museum of Natural History, Tortoise
If you believe that the American Museum of Natural History’s interest in animals begins with fossils and ends with taxidermy, prepare to be surprised!
Written by: Kevin Gepford
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