The islands of the Galapagos Islands are unique not only for the iquanas but also for the varieties of other wild life. These tortoises were long used as a food source by whalers and other mariners.  Several species were wiped out. These tortoises graze broadly through the wet and green areas of Santa Cruz Island.  During the dry season they hide in sheltered areas under the brush and forests.  Sometimes only a few can be found on the Tortoise Ranch which is a primary tourist location.  We found nearly a hundred here which seemed to gather for breeding. The eggs are collected for hatching away from predators and released after a few years for further distribution on other islands.