 Breeding and release programs began in 1965 and have successfully brought seven of the eight endangered species up to less perilous population levels.Young tortoises are raised at several breeding centres across the islands to improve their survival during their vulnerable early development.Eggs are collected from threatened nesting sites, and the hatched young are given a head start by being kept in captivity for four to five years to reach a size with a much better chance of survival to adulthood, before release onto their native ranges.