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The Unique Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands

Unique Wildlife of Galapagos-Featured Image-PP (1)

The Galapagos Islands have developed and evolved in isolation over millions of years, hundreds of miles from the South American mainland or indeed from any significant landmass. This means that the creatures that call this volcanic archipelago home have, over hundreds of generations, developed specific traits that make them unique from creatures found anywhere else on Earth.

From iguanas that have learned how to feed on the ocean floor, to tortoises that have grown to the size of dogs due to a lack of predators, we will introduce you to some of the Galapagos’ most famous creatures. Ecotourism is a fantastic way to protect this precious wildlife, with tourism funding conservation efforts across the archipelago.

REPTILES

Giant Galapagos Tortoises

The Galapagos Islands’ most famous creature is the giant tortoise, capable of living to well over 100 years old. There are actually 15 different species of giant tortoise, which have developed unique traits depending on the island which they call home – three species are sadly now extinct.

Galapagos tortoises are slow-moving herbivores, making them the ideal animal for tourists to look out for – they’re impossible to miss and won’t harm humans. Historically hunted by sailors, populations of most subspecies are recovering and carefully managed by conservationists.

Marine Iguanas

It might look like a regular iguana, but this particular species has developed a trait like no other. The Galapagos marine iguana is the only lizard species in the world that forages in the sea. It is a breath-taking sight to see them launch themselves from the cliffs into the waves.

Marine iguanas can dive to more than 30 feet, feeding on the algae that grows on the sea floor. After a swim, these cold-blooded reptiles can often be seen warming up in the sun, making them easy to spot for curious travelers – just make sure to keep your distance to avoid disturbing them.

Land Iguanas

Not all of the Galapagos’ iguanas are keen swimmers. The archipelago’s land iguanas feed on cacti and other vegetation.

They live in burrows in the ground, unlike many iguana species which prefer to stay in the treetops. This trait is thought to have developed due to a lack of predators.

BIRDS

Darwin’s Finches

Named after the legendary scientist who developed his theory of evolution in the Galapagos Islands, the term ‘Darwin’s finches’ actually refers to a group of 13 species of finch, each individually adapted to its particular environment and descended from a single common species.

The beaks, sizes and behavior of each finch species is different, for it to be able to exploit the different food sources on each island, from insects to seeds and nuts. Big beaks can crack tough shells, for example, whilst long beaks can reach deep into flowers to feed on their nectar.

Blue-Footed Boobies

Famed for their bright blue feet, these enigmatic seabirds engage in elaborate dances in order to court a mate, with the males showing off their blue feet. The brighter the blue, the healthier the bird, and the more likely to produce healthy offspring.

Travelers will be able to see huge colonies of blue-footed booby nesting on cliff edges, and plunge diving into the sea to feed on fish.

Flightless Cormorants

If there’s nothing that can eat you, why bother flying? That’s the attitude of the flightless cormorant which has lost the ability to fly over many generations of not needing to. Instead, these birds have become skilled swimmers, using their powerful legs to dive below the ocean surface in order to hunt fish.

Cormorants are common birds across much of the world, but only in the Galapagos have they developed this unusual ability. Conservation is important for the cormorant’s survival, as it is hugely susceptible to any invasive predator that makes its way to the archipelago.

Galapagos Hawks

The Galapagos Hawk is the top predator in the island chain, feeding on small mammals, reptiles and insects. They can often be seen soaring above the islands, like birds of prey around the world.

There are only around 300 of these birds across the Galapagos Islands, and the species is vulnerable to human activity. Luckily, conservation measures are ensuring their numbers remain stable.

MARINE LIFE

Sea Lions

The Galapagos sea lion is a common sight along the beaches and shoreline of most islands.

Living in huge colonies and known for their intelligence and playful behavior, sea lions will often come to say hello to travelers who are swimming or snorkeling.

Galapagos Penguins

The Galapagos Penguin is unique in that it is the only penguin species to be found north of the equator. This species has adapted to the warmer climate offered by the Galapagos, nesting in shaded cracks and crevices along the coast.

They rely on cold Atlantic currents to bring them fish, and as a result are hugely susceptible to climate change.

Conclusion

The wildlife of the Galapagos is extraordinary, and there are many more species we could have discussed, from gentle whales down to the endemic painted locust, with its jazzy red, black and yellow coloring. Each species has adapted to survive in this strange world, and many can be found nowhere else.

The Galapagos Islands are a bucket list destination for nature lovers, especially when it is considered that most of the archipelago is protected for nature, and tourist dollars go straight into preserving this otherworldly ecosystem for future generations.