Type these islands into Google and you’ll find scenes of pure beauty and tranquillity. Bright blue waters, orange sand, and images that most people would be happy to have as their screensavers. Draw an idyllic island to get away from the stresses of life and you’re likely to have something similar to the Galapagos Islands. Among other things, the archipelago off of Ecuador is known for exotic wildlife, and this is what you’re going to explore today!
Table of Contents
Galapagos Penguins
If you thought that all wild penguins were south of the equator, you aren’t alone. However, the Galapagos Islands are home to its very own penguin species. Don’t worry, they don’t struggle with the warm temperatures. The species has evolved to survive in warmer climates as a result of the Cromwell and Humboldt Currents. There are expeditions and Galapagos Islands cruise you can join to see these amazing creatures move freely in the wild.
Giant Tortoises
This is one that everybody probably knows, but not many people are aware of this species’ ongoing problems on the Galapagos Islands. Sadly, only 11 giant tortoise species remain since four have gone extinct in the last 180 years. Now, only 20,000 survive in the wild and the varieties available on the islands are considered endangered. How giant are these tortoises? They can reach 150cm in length and 250kg in weight.
Marine Iguanas
As a species, marine iguanas are incredibly rare, and the Galapagos Islands is the only location you will see a marine iguana in the world. Unfortunately, the animals weren’t blessed with beauty and even Charles Darwin labelled them ‘disgusting, clumsy lizards’. Why are they called marine iguanas? Because scientists believed land iguanas must have crossed waters many years ago using logs and other floating debris. Eventually, they landed on the islands and the new species formed. What makes these creatures even more interesting is that the shape, colour, and appearance change depending on the island.
Darwin’s Finches
You might not think of a finch as exotic, but experts believe that this bird was the inspiration for the famous theory of evolution. While small finches look for bugs and insects at lunch, Darwin’s finches are much larger and have beaks capable of cracking nuts.
Blue-Footed Boobies
You didn’t think we would forget one of the most famous Galapagos Island animals, did you? As one of the most popular creatures on the islands, blue-footed boobies are just as impressive as the albatross in terms of appearance and wingspan (up to 1.5 metres). Like marine iguanas, these birds are only found in the Galapagos Islands and are a sight to behold when visiting.
Flightless Cormorants
Ornithologists will know that all cormorants fly…but not this one. Marine iguanas take to the water to find food unlike their land-dwelling cousins, and the same is true for flightless cormorants. The reason these cormorants cannot fly is because of their wings – they need to be three times larger. Luckily, they don’t starve because they find eels and fish using the powerful legs and webbed feet.
Evolution is useful in some areas, but a problem in others. While the feet are webbed, the feathers haven’t been able to keep up. Since the feathers aren’t waterproof, it takes them longer than most water-based birds to dry after a swim.
Large Painted Locust
Why should the large animals have all the fun? These large painted locusts might be small, but they have plenty of character and colour. Found on most islands, they can jump up to three metres in one go and are easy to find during periods of heavy rain.
