The Fauna Of The Galapagos Islands
Located in the Pacific Ocean almost 1,000 km from the American continent, this Ecuadorian archipelago is famous for its giant tortoises. But the fauna of the Galapagos Islands is much more extensive. It even helped Darwin to develop his theory of evolution! In this article, we’ll talk about the animals that inhabit the region.
What is the fauna of the Galapagos Islands like?
Made up of 19 islands and 107 rocky islets, the Galapagos are home to dozens of animals, native and introduced by man. We can also highlight those endemic species, which only live on these islands and nowhere else on the planet.
Undoubtedly, the fauna of the Galapagos Islands is one of the reasons to visit this beautiful place, located several hours away from the mainland. During your stay, you can feel like a researcher or biologist, as well as take many pictures of animals that live in their natural state, including:
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giant turtles
They are the trademark of the islands and are responsible for the name of the entire archipelago. Furthermore, within the Galapagos we can find several subspecies with small variations in their shells or sizes. Most local turtles live for around 150 years, weigh up to 400 kilos and measure one meter in length.
In different parts of the islands we can admire them walking “at will”, while looking for food. The best place to see them in freedom is Finca El Manzanillo. Between June and August the females come down to the coast to spawn: keep your distance, do not touch them or interrupt this work.
In addition to the land turtles, we can also find several marine specimens, especially the green turtles , which feed close to the coast, or you can even see them if you dive in the crystalline waters of the region.
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Iguanas
It is another example of the typical fauna of the Galápagos Islands and there are terrestrial and marine iguanas. In the first case, we must indicate that it is an endemic species and that, depending on the islet where it inhabits, it may have a different color or size. Isabela Island is home to the most land iguanas. They feed on cacti and can live for around 60 years.
In the case of the marine iguana, which is also endemic – it is interesting that it lives and hunts in the water, and has the ability to dive up to 10 meters deep in search of food. Her color is very dark and can be seen in the sun – she is cold-blooded and needs it every day – among the rocks on the coast.
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Darwin’s Finch
Among the nearly 50 species of birds that inhabit the islands, the finch family is the most numerous. It is a passerine bird whose wings, beaks and sizes differ according to the islet on which they live.
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Sea lions
Believe it or not, these Ecuadorian islands are one of the few places on earth where you can swim with sea lions in their natural habitat. If you like snorkeling, you should head to the Santa Fe area, where these pleasant beings will come to you to play.
In case you travel to the Galapagos during breeding season, you will see the chicks on the beach as they are fed by their mothers. Of course, you shouldn’t get too close to them to prevent the females from attacking you.
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blue-footed muck
Most tourists who come to the islands try to see this particular bird, which, as the name implies, has very striking turquoise legs. The beak and face area are also blue, but more discreet.
These birds are everywhere and they even seem to enjoy the visits because they stay still while taking pictures. They will be everywhere! Your flight is also worthy of admiration.
