GALAPAGUIDE
GALAPAGOS
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GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS ANIMALS - PENGUINS - TORTOISE - SEA LIONS - IGUANAS - SHARKS
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GALAPAGUIDE |
GALAPAGOS
ANIMALS
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GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS ANIMALS - PENGUINS - TORTOISE - SEA LIONS - IGUANAS - SHARKS
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Surprisingly,
the Galapagos is not rich in endemic species compared to Hawaii, the Amazon,
or other areas. What makes the Galapagos so rich, however, is the proximity
and availability to study the amazing animals and plant life found here,
as if you were in a university lab! Following is a list and small description
of the most famous inhabitants of these enchanted islands:
The
Galapagos Tortoise (Testundinidae): You can't go to these islands
without falling in love with these funny, pre-historic creatures. All
turtles found on the islands belong to the group Geochelone elephantopus.
They are divided into 14 sub-species (three of which are extinct), differentiated
by the form and size of their shell as well as neck and extremities.
Unfortunately, if they don't find a mate for Lonely George soon, there
might be 4 extinct species. 
The
Marine Turtle (Cheloniidae): This graceful animal is astounding
to watch while snorkeling or diving. The pacific green sea turtle
is the only resident marine turtle of the Galapagos, and they lay
their eggs from December to June. Oftentimes, during these months,
you can get volunteer work with the Charles Darwin Research Station,
counting nests and marking eggs - a great way to get hands-on experience
in the islands. 
Land
Iguanas (Iguanidae): Also endemic to the islands, these colorful
creatures are nothing short of spectacular. They prefer prickly pear
cactus, standing on their hind legs to reach the flowering plant. They
have a leathery, tough tongue and don't need to remove the spines from
the cactus before eating. 
The
Cormorant (Phalacrocoracidae): The only flightless cormorant
in the world! Over years, it evolved into a great swimmer, losing the
capacity to fly. To see this bird, you have to get to the sest side
of Isabela. It's well worth the time and trip to see this amazing torpedo
in the water. 
The
Waved Albatross (Diamedeidae): The waved albatross is a resident
of the Galapagos, and if you make it to the islands from April to December,
it can be seen on Isla Santa Cruz. Absolutely graceful in the air, it
can be away for months and even years at sea without touching land.
Landing and taking off, however, is comical as the birds line up like
they might at JFK Airport in New York City, waiting for the control
tower to give them the go-ahead. The courtship of this bird is one of
a kind - well worth a trip to the Galapagos in October when it generally
occurs. 
Boobies
(Sulidae): Blue-footed, red-footed, and masked boobies can be found
on most islands in the archipelago -- the blue-footed and masked being
the most commonly seen. They're incredible divers, plunging to a depth
of 8 meters to catch their prey. One of our favorite memories of the
Galapagos is snorkeling when one of the boobies dived into the water
less than 3 meters in front of us and caught a fish. They're colorful,
interesting, and fun to watch (especially during their courtship display!).
The
Frigatebird (Fregatidae): These scoundrels don't like to do much
fishing, and so you can see them trying to distract boobies and other
birds to snatch the prey caught by others. They are most spectacular
during courtship when the male bird inflates the flap of bright-red
skin found under his beak. It looks like a great red balloon and is
stunningly colorful. 
The
Famous Finches (Fringillidae): What would the Galapagos be without
Darwin's finches? Keep your eyes open because they are found everywhere
and might even eat right out of your hand! There are 13 endemic species
differentiated by the size and form of their beaks. 
Mammals
on the Galapagos include two species of bat, two endemic rice rat species
and its most famous mammals - the Galapagos sea lion and fur seal. You
will never tire of seeing these playful, beautiful creatures swim through
the waters and waddle on land. Be sure not to touch the babies, though,
because the mother's recognize their young by scent, and sun-screen,
deodorant and human odors can camoflage the scent, leaving the baby
motherless. 
