Pinta Island Tortoise
Native to the Galapagos Islands, the Pinta Island tortoise was one of the many species Charles Darwin observed. The last known individual, Lonesome George, died in 2012, bringing the species to extinction. Conservation efforts have since been intensified for other Galapagos species.
Cause of Extinction: Habitat destruction and invasive species.
Lonesome George became a symbol of conservation efforts worldwide reminding us of the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.
