'Extinct' giant tortoise to be bred in captivity

QUITO: A species of Galapagos giant tortoise thought to have been made extinct 150 years ago will be bred in captivity, officials said, after DNA studies showed specimens discovered in the last decade shared similar genetic makeup.

The breeding program involving 32 tortoises—19 of which are descended from the Chelonoidis nigra species in question—will allow for medium-term repopulation of their native Floreana Island, the Galapagos Islands National Park said Wednesday.