The Galapagos giant tortoise species encompasses 14 subspecies of which 10 still remain in the wild. Growing to a length of up to 4 feet, and reaching ages well over 100 years, the Galapagos tortoise population is considered vulnerable primarily due to predation of offspring by invasive species such as cats and rats, and competition for food by goats. Populations were at one time under threat from passing sailors, and the threats as a whole have contributed to their decline.
Estimated population in the year 1535 was 250,000 tortoises
Population in the year 2008 was a mere 6% (15,000) of their former numbers.
Number bred in captivity and released into the wild in 2000 was 1,000 tortoises.
