LOCALITATION GEOGRAPHICAL Situated in the Pacific some 1,000 km from the South American continent, these islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique living museum and showcase of evolution.
FAUNAWhat makes the Galapagos so rich, however, is theproximity and availability to study the amazinganimals and plant life found here, as if you were ina university lab! Following is a list and smalldescription of the most famous inhabitants of theseenchanted island
The Galapagos Tortoise Lonesome George (Spanish:Solitario Jorge) Is a tortoise, the last known individual of the Pinta Island tortoise which is one of eight to fifteen extant subspeciesof Galápagos tortoise all of which are native to the Galápagos Islands
George is estimated to be about 100 years of age, and he is in good health
THE MARINE TURTLE :This graceful animal is astoundingto watch while snorkeling ordiving.The pacific green sea turtle is theonly resident marine turtle of theGalapagos LAND IGUANAS : These colorful creatures are nothing short of spectacular. They prefer prickly pear cactus, standing on their hind legs to reach the flowering plant.
THE CORMORANT :The only flightless cormorant in theworld! Over years, it evolved into agreat swimmer, losing the capacity tofly. To see this bird, you have to get tothe sest side of Isabela. Its well worththe time and trip to see this amazingtorpedo in the water. PENGUINS : This is the only penguin found in equatorial waters - warm waters. Its the most northerly penguin in the world, as the rest are found in the Southern Hemisphere. Isla Isabela and Fernandina have the most penguins.
THE WAVED ALBATROSS :The waved albatross is a resident ofthe Galapagos, and if you make it tothe islands from April to December, itcan be seen on Isla Santa Cruz.THE FRIGATEBIRD :These scoundrels dont like to do muchfishing, and so you can see them trying todistract boobies and other birds to snatchthe prey caught by others. They are most spectacular duringcourtship when the male bird inflates theflap of bright-red skin found under hisbeak.
MammalsGalapagos include two species of bat, twoendemic rice rat species and its most famousmammals - the Galapagos sea lion and furseal. You will never tire of seeing theseplayful, beautiful creatures swim through thewaters and waddle on land. Under the sea is a world rich with tropical fish, corals, sharks, eels, rays, dolphins and more.
The flora of the islands is equallyF interesting and diverse. The Galapagos has three marked zones: othe littoral zone,L othe arid zone, and othe transition zone.O The miconia zone and fern-sedge zone are also found on the islands. Mangroves are the main flora found in the littoral zone, where the plants can tolerate high levels ofR salt.A
¡¡There are hundreds of plant species!!Surprisingly, the Galapagos isquite arid, and islands arecovered with prickly pear cacti(our land iguanas favorite treat),the palo santo and acaciasamong others.
CLIMATEThe oceans surface temperature ranges greatly from 7 to 28 centigrade grades January to March is considered the hot/wet season, March being the hottest month of the year. The islands are brimming with plant life, and the water temperatures are ideal for snorkeling and diving at this time of year. Because of the climate changes in July through September, theres less rain
When you choose the time of year to visit the Galapagos, prioritize. Decide what you would rather do and see, as not all animals are present at all times of year