Roger Downie: Froglife and University of Glasgow
In ‘Croaking Science’ on 1st February we discussed the giant tortoises of the Galapagos and Aldabra/Seychelles islands. A Seychelles tortoise named Jonathan is believed to be the oldest living terrestrial vertebrate at 193 years (estimated hatch year of 1832; ‘official’ birthday 4th December). Jonathan was brought as a mature adult to the south Atlantic island of St Helena along with three others in 1882. They live in the grounds of the governor’s residence.
Jonathan made the news last month when a social media account on 1st April reported that he had died. This turned out to be a scam aimed at generating cryptocurrency donations. To celebrate his ‘resurrection’ Jonathan was given an extra helping of his favourite bananas by his keepers.