The Galápagos tortoise is a large, iconic reptile that is native to the Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. Here’s a description of the Galápagos tortoise along with the countries where they are found:

Description: Galápagos tortoises are among the largest species of tortoises in the world, with some individuals reaching weights of over 400 kilograms (880 pounds) and lengths of over 1.8 meters (6 feet). They have dome-shaped carapaces (shells) that are typically dark brown or black in color and may have a high, saddleback shape or a more flattened appearance, depending on the specific subspecies.

Their limbs are sturdy and elephantine, with column-like legs and feet adapted for supporting their massive bodies and traversing rough terrain. Their thick, scaly skin is usually grayish or brownish in color, and they have a long, muscular neck that allows them to reach vegetation at various heights.

Galápagos tortoises are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diet consisting mainly of grasses, cacti, fruits, and other vegetation. They are well adapted to the arid and semi-arid environments of the Galápagos Islands, where they can survive for long periods without water by storing moisture in their bodies and feeding on succulent plants.

Countries where they are found:

1. Ecuador: Galápagos tortoises are native to the Galápagos Islands, which are part of Ecuador’s territory. The archipelago consists of 18 main islands and several smaller islands, each with its own unique ecosystem and tortoise population. These islands are located approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) west of the Ecuadorian mainland.

Galápagos tortoises are highly adapted to the specific environmental conditions of the Galápagos Islands, and each island is home to its own distinct subspecies or population of tortoises. They have played a significant role in shaping the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos archipelago and are considered an iconic symbol of the region’s natural heritage.