Endemic Encounters Galapagos

The Galapagos Land Iguana is a large, yellowish lizard that inhabits the arid regions of the Galapagos Islands. These iguanas are herbivores, primarily feeding on prickly pear cactus and other vegetation. They have a symbiotic relationship with the cactus, as they help disperse its seeds through their droppings. Land Iguanas are known for their slow movements and long lifespan, which can extend up to 60 years. Their population is limited to a few islands, making them vulnerable to habitat destruction and introduced predators.

The Galapagos sea lion (Arctocephalus galapagoensis) breeds in the Galapagos Islands in the eastern Pacific, west of mainland Ecuador, and is endemic to the islands. The sea lions live on the rocky shores of the islands, which tend to be on the western side of the islands, and haul out only to feed. These seals do not migrate and remain close to the islands for their entire lives, which average about 20 years. Galapagos fur seals feed mainly on fish and mollusks. They feed relatively close to shore and near the surface, but have been seen at depths of 169 meters. They feed mainly at night because it is much easier to catch their prey.
It appears that the Galapagos fur seal is no longer found only in the Galapagos Islands, but that a colony has moved to northern Peru, according to Orca, Organization for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Animals.

The Galapagos Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) is a subspecies of the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). It is endemic to tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. They are often classified as an eastern Pacific population of green turtles. This title is shared with the other nesting populations of green sea turtles that inhabit the Pacific Ocean.
The Galapagos Green Turtle is the only population of Green Sea Turtles that nests on the beaches of the Galapagos Islands. It has been difficult for researchers to obtain valid information on the lifestyles of the Galapagos Green Sea Turtle due to its continuous migrations and submersion in the ocean; most information has been obtained through experimentation with tagging. The Galapagos Green Turtle, along with all other green sea turtle populations, is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The Galapagos Tortoise or Giant Galapagos Tortoise (Geochelone nigra) is the largest living tortoise, native to seven islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Adult adults can weigh more than 300 kilograms (661 pounds) and measure 1.2 meters (4 feet) long. They are long-lived, with an estimated life expectancy in the wild of between 100 and 150 years. Populations have declined drastically due to hunting and the introduction of predators and herbivores by humans since the 17th century. Today only ten subspecies of the original twelve exist in the wild. However, conservation efforts since the establishment of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation have been successful, and hundreds of captive-bred juveniles have been released on their home islands. They have become emblematic of the fauna of the Galapagos Islands.

The Lonesome George (Spanish: Solitario Jorge) is the last known individual of the Pinta Island tortoise (Geochelone nigra abingdoni), which is one of the subspecies of Galapagos tortoises. It has been labeled the rarest creature in the world and is a potent symbol of conservation efforts in the Galapagos and internationally.
George was first spotted on Pinta Island on December 1, 1971, by American biologist Joseph Vagvolgyi. The island's vegetation had been decimated by introduced feral goats and the native tortoise population had been reduced to a single individual. Relocated for his safety to the Charles Darwin Research Station, George was enclosed with two females of a different subspecies, but although eggs have been produced, so far none have hatched.

The Galapagos Marine Iguana is a unique species of iguana found only in the Galapagos Islands. It is the only lizard in the world that has adapted to live and forage in the sea. These iguanas have special glands to expel excess salt from their bodies and are powerful swimmers, using their flattened tails to navigate underwater. They primarily feed on algae growing on rocks in the intertidal zone. Marine Iguanas are often seen basking on the rocky shores to regulate their body temperature after swimming in the cold ocean currents.

The Galapagos Islands are home to a variety of terrestrial lizards, including the endemic Galapagos Lava Lizard. These reptiles are adaptable and can be found in various habitats across the islands, from arid zones to lush forests. Lava Lizards are often seen basking in the sun on rocks and are known for their quick movements and ability to change color to regulate body temperature or as a form of camouflage.

The Flightless Cormorant is a unique bird found only in the Galapagos Islands. It is the only cormorant species that has lost the ability to fly, evolving smaller wings and powerful legs to suit its environment. These birds are expert swimmers, using their webbed feet to propel themselves underwater in search of fish and eels. The species' rarity and distinct evolutionary traits make it a fascinating example of natural selection at work.

Darwin’s Finches are a group of about 15 species of small birds found only in the Galapagos Islands. They are famous for their diverse beak shapes, which have adapted to different food sources, such as seeds, insects, and flowers. The study of these finches by Charles Darwin during his visit to the islands contributed significantly to the development of his theory of natural selection. Each species of Darwin’s Finch has evolved to occupy a specific ecological niche, making them a textbook example of adaptive radiation.

The Blue-Footed Booby is one of the most iconic birds of the Galapagos Islands, known for its strikingly vivid blue feet, which play a crucial role in courtship displays. Males show off their feet to attract females, with brighter feet indicating better health and genetic fitness. These seabirds are excellent divers, plunging from great heights to catch fish. They typically nest on land in colonies, where both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

The Nazca Booby is a large seabird that breeds on the Galapagos Islands and other locations in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is closely related to the Masked Booby but can be distinguished by its orange bill and lack of facial markings. Nazca Boobies are known for their dramatic courtship dances and their tendency to lay two eggs, although typically only one chick survives due to siblicide. These birds nest in colonies on rocky cliffs and are adept at diving for fish.

The Galapagos Penguin is the only penguin species that lives north of the equator, thanks to the cool currents that flow through the Galapagos Islands. These small penguins have adapted to a tropical climate, spending most of their time in the water to avoid the heat. They feed on small fish and are highly social, often seen in groups both on land and at sea. The species is endangered, with threats including climate change and predation by introduced species.

The Galapagos Fur Seal is the smallest of all the fur seals and is found only in the Galapagos Islands. Unlike the more commonly seen Galapagos Sea Lion, the fur seal prefers rocky shores and caves, where it can find shade and stay cool during the day. These seals feed at night on fish and squid and are known for their thick fur, which was once highly prized by hunters. Conservation efforts have helped their population recover, but they remain vulnerable to environmental changes.

The Sally Lightfoot Crab is one of the most colorful and recognizable crabs in the Galapagos Islands. With its bright red and orange shell and agile movements, it is often seen scuttling along the rocky shores. These crabs play an important role in the ecosystem by feeding on algae and detritus, helping to keep the shoreline clean. Despite their vivid appearance, they are well-camouflaged against the volcanic rocks when they remain still.