They can live for up to a year without any food or water, so it is easy for them to survive. Over time they have adapted and grown longer necks so they can stretch up to reach low-hanging leaves on trees.
The tortoises have no natural predators on the Galápagos Islands. However, hunting and destruction of their natural habitat by humans almost made them extinct in the past. During the 17th through 19th centuries, pirates and people on ships figured out that these tortoises could store water in their necks. They would bring them on board to use for water and also for food. Many were also taken by scientists for research. Today, the islands have created strict laws to protect these amazing creatures and have been working to restore their natural habitat. They are no longer considered endangered.
