Quote:
Originally Posted by RacingSnake
Just saw this on the news, Extremely sad news.
I see this as a very significant occurance. The extinction of another subspecies, just hope it does get the exposure it needs.
One day I'll make it to the Galapagos, and it will be sad that this guy won't be around.  |
It is indeed sad to hear this news, but perhaps a more positive stance on the story might be a more fitting epitaph for Lonesome George?
For several decades his name has been associated with the last of his type. However, his plight in this regard has spawned a worldwide interest in the Chelonian story. Scientists from around the world have been working hard and fortunately have received funding for their quest to learn more about Tortoise reproductive biology.
Therefore, perhaps the legacy of George is not in his genes but in the wake up call he gave the world about the road to extinction. Chelonia, have existed largely unaltered in the world for more than 200 million years yet in the lifetime of one human being their continued existence is potentially compromised across the entire globe.
The loss of George, should renew the efforts of Biologists, Ecologists and Educators to make sure we do not allow other Chelonian forms to slip into the abyss of extinction from the actions of Mankind!