Textbook claims this to be giant Galapagos tortoise.
To me it appears to be something else.
Hi Lennart - Without a complete view of the carapace we can say anything concrete, Best, Gianluigi
So the shape of the head and location of the nostrils are not helping identifying the species?
Maybe yes, but only for a herpetologist with specific competence: not for my modest knowledge. Best, Gianluigi.
It does appear to be one of the species of Galapagos Tortoise, where was it photographed?
Paul
Dear Lennart Lennuk,
Nuchal scute which can -according to me- clearly be seen in the photo is absent in Chelonoidis and Cylindraspis, while only rarely absent in Aldabrachelys. The head is more pointed and higher in the latter. I guess you are right. So it is most likely an Aldabrachelys gigantea.
PS: I guess I reunited with my anonymous downvoter. I still wonder why and how, apostles of ignorance haunt even against solid scientific facts HERE in RG.
As brought out previously, most Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys) have a nuchal scute (1.34% do not) and Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis) do not. The tortoise in the image appears to have a nuchal scute and thus most likely is an Aldabra tortoise.
Aldabra - narrower nose allows them to drink from shallow water pools.
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