Like many animals near the equator, Galapagos penguins breed year round. Unlike the Antarctic penguins, Galapagos penguins do not need to worry about their eggs freezing. Instead they have to worry about them overheating or being attacked by egg predators.They are foraging predators that primarily eat small fishes. What makes the Galápagos penguin unique? 4) […]
Why are the Galapagos Islands so diverse?
The Galapagos Islands are so biodiverse because of the many different habitat zones that can be found across the Islands. There are coral reefs, highland forests, sand dunes and scrubland, and the changing habitats from island to island. Species diversity is only one piece of the biodiversity puzzle. Why is there such a huge diversity […]
What country is closest to the Galapagos Islands?
The islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, 973 km (605 mi) off the west coast of South America. The closest land mass is that of mainland Ecuador, the country to which they belong, 926 km (500 nmi) to the east. What surrounds the Galapagos Islands? The islands are surrounded by the Galapagos Marine […]
What kind of habitat is the Galapagos Islands?
There are five types of habitat zones in Galapagos: marine, shore, arid, transition and humid. Within these five broad categories, there are a number of different habitats. What type of ecosystem is the Galapagos Islands? On the Galapagos Islands, there are three major ecosystems: terrestrial, coastal and marine. In the years of El Niño, the […]
What vaccinations do you need to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Vaccinations. There is no vaccination requirement for traveling to the highlands, coastal and Galapagos regions of Ecuador. However, when traveling to the Amazon jungle, ask your doctor about vaccines like typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria, and yellow fever. Do you need to be vaccinated to go to the Galapagos? To enter the Galapagos Islands, the traveler […]
How many days should you spend in the Galapagos?
5 days. Because it takes time and money to get to the Galapagos Islands and the first and last days of your trip are mostly travel days, we recommend that you spend at least 5 days in the Galapagos. The vast majority of travelers go to the Galapagos for 7 or 8 days. How long […]
What is famous in the Galapagos?
What are the Galapagos Islands famous for? Giant tortoises on Isabela, marine iguanas on Fernandina, blue-footed boobies nesting on North Seymour, and 17 other land, marine, and avian species not found anywhere else in the world are the major reasons for the Galapagos Islands’ fame. What animal is Galapagos famous for? Galapagos TortoisesThe Galapagos Tortoises […]
What is the history of the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands were discovered in 1535 when father Tomas Berlanga, the bishop of Panama sailed to Peru to settle a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and his lieutenants after the conquest of the Incas. The bishop’s ship stalled strong currents carried him out to the Galapagos. What was so special about the Galapagos Islands? The […]
How the species of finches that were found by Darwin at Galapagos island have different beak sizes and shapes?
1: Darwin’s Finches: Darwin observed that beak shape varies among finch species. He postulated that the beak of an ancestral species had adapted over time to equip the finches to acquire different food sources. Why did Darwin’s finches have different beaks? In other words, beaks changed as the birds developed different tastes for fruits, seeds, […]
Is the Galapagos Island Tropical?
Galapagos is on the Equator but the weather is not tropical. Temperatures range from 69°-84°F / 21°-30°C. Warm season is from January to June. Dry season is from July to December. Why is Galapagos not tropical? The weather of the Galápagos Islands is influenced by three main ocean currents and, to a lesser extent, by […]
What animals exist on the Galapagos Islands?
Top 10 Galapagos Islands Animals Galapagos Tortoises. The iconic tortoises are probably the most important species on the Galapagos Islands and the most famous. Marine Iguana. Galapagos Finches. Galapagos Penguin. Blue-Footed Booby. Galapagos Sealions. Magnificent Frigatebird. Sally Lightfoot Crabs. What are 5 animals only found on the Galapagos Islands? 9 animals you’ll only find in […]
How many animal species are on the Galapagos Islands?
9,000 species. Nearly 9,000 species are found on the islands and their surrounding waters, many of them endemic. What animal species live on the Galapagos Islands? Top 10 Galapagos Islands Animals Galapagos Tortoises. The iconic tortoises are probably the most important species on the Galapagos Islands and the most famous. Marine Iguana. Galapagos Finches. Galapagos […]
What animals are going extinct in the Galapagos Islands?
6 Endangered Species in the Galápagos 6 ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE GALÁPAGOS. #1 Giant Tortoise. #2 Marine Iguanas. Marine iguanas are the world’s only oceangoing lizard. #3 Galápagos Penguins. #4 Blue Footed Boobies. #5 Green Sea Turtles. #6 Sea Lions. What species are extinct on the Galapagos Islands? Galápagos tortoise Genus: Chelonoidis Species complex: Chelonoidis […]
What was the vegetation in Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos vegetation has further adapted and diversified due to the range of habitat zones in the Galapagos Islands. There are at least three habitat zones in the Galapagos: the coastal zone (dominated by salt-resistant plants), arid zone (succulent cacti and leafless shrubs), and the highlands (lush Scalesia forests). What is the climate and vegetation like […]
How do you get around the San Cristobal Galapagos Islands?
Getting around: Ferries and speedboat transfers between ports. The best way to see the majority of islands is through an 8-day cruise. Day Tour Boats. There are several options departing from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal. Cargo Ships. Private Speed Boats. Water Taxi. How do I get to […]