Diego the Tortoise's sex life saves endangered species
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Diego, a Galapagos giant tortoise, has fathered an estimated 800 offspring, almost single-handedly rebuilding the species' critically endangered population on their native island, Espanola.
Around 50 years ago, there were only two males and 12 females of Diego's species alive on Espanola.
He has done more than any other tortoise to turn that around -- with the help of his mates, of course. A genetic study reveals he is the father of 40% of all wild offspring.
"He's a very sexually active male reproducer. He's contributed enormously to repopulating the island," said Washington Tapia, a tortoise preservation specialist.
He currently shares his enclosure with six females, his partners in the task of saving their species.
Diego, a Galapagos giant tortoise, has fathered an estimated 800 offspring, almost single-handedly rebuilding the species' critically endangered population on their native island, Espanola.
Let me go and watch a documentary now.
