Задание

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases.

Of all the native species of the Galapagos, giant tortoises were the most devastated. Nowadays, the majority . One of the giant tortoise’s most amazing adaptations is its ability to survive without food or water for up to a year. Once pirates, whalers and fur sealers discovered that they could have fresh meat for their long voyages in the holds of their ships, massive exploitation of the species began. Tortoises were also exploited for their oil, . Two centuries of exploitation resulted . Three species have been extinct for some time, and the fourth species lost its last member, Lonesome George, in June 2012.

In addition, to their direct exploitation by humans for both food and oil, giant tortoises faced other challenges due to the introduction of exotic species by human visitors. They suffered and continue to suffer with goats and other large mammals.

With the establishment of the Galapagos National Park in 1959, a systematic review of the status of the tortoise populations began.