Longevity of Galapagos Tortoises

Galápagos giant tortoises are among the longest-lived land animals. A conservation fact sheet gives an approximate lifespan of 100 years in the wild, while a review of reptile longevity lists a maximum estimate of about 150 years. Historical ages above 150 have been reported for captive tortoises, but such ages are often estimates. Their slow aging has attracted genomic research: comparisons have identified candidate changes in pathways associated with metabolism, cellular stress, and age-related disease. These are clues, not a complete explanation of longevity. Researchers are still investigating the roles of body size, metabolism, and cellular maintenance; no single set of causes has been established.