Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Reptiles
In addition to
lava lizards
,
nocturnal geckos
, and in-
conspicuous
Galápagos snakes
, you'll find the following
reptiles in the Galápagos.
Giant Tortoise
Perhaps most famous of all the islands' inhabitants, and the name-
sake of the archipelago itself, is the giant tortoise.
Galápago
means
“saddle,” and refers to the tortoise's shell, or carapace. Although there
is only one species of the giant tortoise, 14 subspecies, characterized
by different carapace shapes, have existed throughout the islands at
one time or another. Sadly, three of these subspecies are extinct while
a fourth has only one tortoise - “Lonesome George” - remaining. Be-
cause the tortoise has few natural predators, humans are entirely re-
sponsible for their demise. Fortunately, efforts to repatriate
decimated populations are well under way. You can visit Lonesome
George and learn about current efforts for protection at the Charles
Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island.
How You Can Help
Founded in 1959, the
Charles Darwin Research Foun-
dation
is the driving force behind the conservation of the
Galápagos Islands. With the support of contributions, vol-
unteers, scientists and educators, the Foundation has suc-
cessfully contributed to the scientific understanding,
preservation and education of the archipelago's land and
marine ecology. There is no organization more deserving of
support if your interest lies in helping to maintain this pre-
cious natural treasure. For more information, visit them
online at www.darwinfoundation.org. In Quito, they are at
Av. 6 de Diciembre N 36-109 and Pasaje California, Casilla
(Postal Box) 17-01-3891; in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Is-
land,
5-526-147/148, galapagosinfo@darwinfoundation.
org.
Pacific Green Sea Turtle
The Pacific green sea turtle resides here during a part of its life cycle.
From November to January, breeding sea turtles are often observed
Search WWH ::
Custom Search