Galapagos wildlife
Photo: Mike Weston, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The wildlife is the prime reason for visiting the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The logistics of travelling to and around the islands as well as information on the islands is given in the Galapagos Islands article itself.
UnderstandLying 1000km west of Ecuador on the South American mainland, the volcanic Galapagos Islands' wildlife developed and remained relatively protected until the 1800s.
The National ParkThe land of the islands was declared a national park in 1959, and the surrounding seas a marine biosphere in 1986.
What to bring / hire
ReptilesThe giant tortoises (Geocheleone elephantopus) are justly the most famous residents of the islands, weighing up to 200kg and living for up to 150 years.
Land MammalsAll animals that originally arrived in the islands came here either by swimming, flying or floating.
BirdsThe Waved Albatross is considered endemic to the Galapagos Islands, these large birds with up to a 6 foot wingspan Albatross spend much of their life at sea, however from April to November they return to nest on the…
Sea Mammals
Fish
InvertebratesBorn black to blend in with their environment the Sally Lightfoot crab turns red, orange and yellow with age. A favorite of photographers these crabs can be found throughout the islands near the shoreline.
PlantsKnown as the Darwin Finch of the plant family, the Scalesia is a member of the daisy family.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Galapagos wildlife" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Mike Weston, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons