The Galapagos Islands have one of the largest populations of endemic species in the entire world. There are well over 100 species that only call the Galapagos their home. Some of those species are listed below:
Galapagos Tortoises
The most famous species on the island, these giant tortoises can reach 5 feet long and 550 lbs! Four of the orignial fifteen species have gone extinct due to over hunting them.
The most famous species on the island, these giant tortoises can reach 5 feet long and 550 lbs! Four of the orignial fifteen species have gone extinct due to over hunting them.
Marine Iguana
The only marine iguana still in existence, this species feeds on seaweed underwater. It has a special nasal gland to filter out the salt water while they are underwater.
The only marine iguana still in existence, this species feeds on seaweed underwater. It has a special nasal gland to filter out the salt water while they are underwater.
Galapagos Finches
These are a group of species all with different key features. These are the birds that led Darwin to develop his theory of evolution and natural selection because the different sizes and shapes of beaks helped each bird perform different tasks.
These are a group of species all with different key features. These are the birds that led Darwin to develop his theory of evolution and natural selection because the different sizes and shapes of beaks helped each bird perform different tasks.
Galapagos Penguin
This is one of the smallest species of penguin and are native only to the Galapagos Islands. Also, they are the only penguin species naturally found north of the equator.
This is one of the smallest species of penguin and are native only to the Galapagos Islands. Also, they are the only penguin species naturally found north of the equator.
Scalesia Trees
These trees are native only to the Galapagos and can grow up to 60 ft. tall. They belong to the Scalesia genus which contains multiple species of trees and shrubs. They often grow very close together.
These trees are native only to the Galapagos and can grow up to 60 ft. tall. They belong to the Scalesia genus which contains multiple species of trees and shrubs. They often grow very close together.
The Galapagos Fur Seal
One of the only native mammals on the Islands, these seals spend a majority of their time on land rather than in water. They are also one of the smallest seals.
One of the only native mammals on the Islands, these seals spend a majority of their time on land rather than in water. They are also one of the smallest seals.
Galapagos Hawk
The only raptor living on the island, these hawks are a top predator in the Galapagos. They are endangered because they are over hunted due to their preying on introduced species such as chickens.
The only raptor living on the island, these hawks are a top predator in the Galapagos. They are endangered because they are over hunted due to their preying on introduced species such as chickens.
Lava Lizards
These lizards are referred to as such due to their red coloring and are a very common species. Like the finches, there are several variations of the species that are all adaptive to their specific environment.
These lizards are referred to as such due to their red coloring and are a very common species. Like the finches, there are several variations of the species that are all adaptive to their specific environment.
Large Painted Locust
These are very colorful locusts that can reach about three inches long. They are important prey for hawks and lizards on the islands.
These are very colorful locusts that can reach about three inches long. They are important prey for hawks and lizards on the islands.
Shipworm
Shipworms are a species of decomposers found underwater that decompose organic material such as wood from sunken ships near the islands.
Shipworms are a species of decomposers found underwater that decompose organic material such as wood from sunken ships near the islands.