Giant tortoises have returned to Floreana Island in Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago as conservationists release 158 juvenile hybrids to restore the ecosystem. On Friday, the 8- to 13-year-old tortoises started roaming their new habitat as the first winter rains arrive. Fredy Villalba of the Galápagos National Park says the juveniles are big enough to fend off rats and cats. Officials plan a gradual release of 700 tortoises. Christian Sevilla, director of ecosystems of the Galapagos National Park, says the animals carry 40% to 80% of the genes of the Floreana giant tortoise. Scientists trace their lineage to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island.
