the wild of Galapagos

                                              

The Galapagos bird life is world-renowned for its finches -- the tiny little birds that played such an important role in Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. But bird life on the islands goes far beyond its famous finches. This unique habitat is home for a wide variety of species, from colorful flamingos and comical blue-footed boobies, to showy frigate birds and bizzare cormorants. The distinct features of the birds make for easy identification for the novice birder -- while the savvy will be pleased to spot the rare and treasured species found only in the Galapagos Islands. For more information on the variety of bird species found on the islands.

The Galapagos Islands' land animals are dominated by reptiles, whereas most of the world finds mammals the predominant species. Unlike mammals, reptiles are able to survive long periods without water, equipping them with the ability to make the epic 620 mile-long journey to the volcanic islands from the mainland. Giant tortoises, iguanas, snakes and lizards - visitors to the islands will have plenty of opportunities to discover these unique creatures. The islands were even named after one of their famous reptile species - the giant tortoise. For more information on the variety of reptiles found on the islands.

The Galapagos are affected by three different currents: the cold Humboldt and Cromwell currents and warm Panama currents. Roughly 17% of the marine life found in the islands are endemic to the Galapagos. Snorklers and divers are treated to a spectacular gathering ofaquatic wildlife, from rare whale and hammerhead sharks, to the colorful Sally light-foot crab. Although treasured by wildlife enthusiasts, Galapagos marine animals are also sought after by the fishing industry. Sharks and sea cucumbers have been particularly vulnerable; while sharks are protected by the Galapagos Marine Reserve, they are still hunted illegally for their highly-prized fins to make shark fin soup.

Many visitors recall swimming with sea lion pups or watching dolphins race along the bow of their ship as some of their favorite Galapagos memories. But ironically, there are a very limited number of mammals on the islands - instead the Galapagos' land animals are predominately reptiles. Because of its isolation, there are very few native mammals that currently reside in the Galapagos Islands, and there have never been more than 14 native mammals on the islands. For more information on the variety of mammals found on the islands.

Because the Galapagos Islands were never part of mainland South or Central America, they are inhabited by a very limited number of invertebrate and insect species. Visitors will have the best luck spotting the different species of insects after a heavy rain or at night - ships' lights particularly catch the attention of the Islands' green hawkmoth and fringed notcuid. Butterflies are usually a popular insect and are the easiest to identify by their brightly colored wings. These small creatures that inhabit the islands range from the colorful large painted grasshopper, to the peculiar giant long-horn beetle. For more information on the variety of insects and invertebrates found on the islands.