Phase two of Project Pinta, focused on restoring the giant tortoise population to Pinta island (a prominent island in the Galapagos). In 2010, 39 sterile tortoises were released onto Pinta island in order to maintain the proper habitat. This was done in preparation for the introduction of a species of genetically related, reproductive “New Pinta” tortoises (see last week’s Global Conservation Blog for more information) which are to repopulate the island, replacing the now extinct original Pinta tortoise. Scientists returned to the islands and monitored the progress of the released tortoises. When the island was revisited, information was gathered on tortoise behavior in order to prepare for the release of the “new Pinta” tortoise. Phase two of Project Pinta was completed in the summer of 2011. To learn more about the research of phase two, check out this link: http://www.galapagos.org/conservation/conservation/project-areas/ecosystem-restoration/tortoise-restoration/project-pinta/#PhaseII
What Our Students Are Saying
“Travelling with the Language Learning Institute is a wonderful experience! The groups are small, there is a lot of variety, and the trips are flexible enough that you can break away and do your own thing for a while if you want. I have never really wanted to do that, though, because the planned activities are so interesting. I have been on two trips on which I learned a lot about the different regions of France and even Belgium. The trip cost includes five or so sessions before the trip in which we learn about what we are going to experience and in which we learn a little of the language so that we can at least order in French. There is also a wine and cheese party in which we sample the products of the regions we are going to visit and in which we get to know our trip mates better. I would recommend the Learn French and Travel trips to anyone, but particularly for those who want to visit a country in a way that combines the security of a group with the flexibility to do your own thing!”
