The Sounds of Slow Love
Giant tortoises make loud groaning sounds during mating that can be heard from far away — and mating sessions can last several hours.
Despite their slow, silent reputation, giant tortoises become surprisingly loud during mating. Males emit deep, rhythmic groaning sounds that can be heard from considerable distances.
These vocalizations serve to: - Announce dominance to rival males - Communicate with the female during mating - Possibly coordinate the mating process
Mating itself is a prolonged affair. The male must climb onto the female's shell — no small feat given their size (up to 900 pounds) and lack of flexibility. Once in position, copulation can continue for several hours.
The shape of the male's shell has evolved to be concave on the underside, allowing him to balance on top of the female's domed shell. Without this adaptation, he would simply slide off.
Male tortoises compete for females through combat. They face each other and stretch their necks upward — whoever reaches highest is typically dominant. If neither backs down, they may bite at each other's legs and shells.
Giant tortoises have incredibly long lifespans, living 100-150 years or more. Some individuals alive today were born before Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands.