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While the Galapagos Islands are famous for their diverse and abundant birdlife, many people don’t associate the archipelago with owls. In fact, there are two endemic subspecies of owls endemic to the islands, the Galapagos barn owl (Tyto alba punctatissima) and the Galapagos short-eared owl (Asio flammeus galapagoensis).
This Ceiba tree near the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island is generally considered to be tallest (and largest) tree in the Galapagos Islands.
This photo of two amorous Galapagos green turtles was taken by Andrew Morffew. The Galapagos green turtle, which is a subspecies of the green sea turtle, is the only subpopulation of sea turtle to nest in the islands. It is quite a bit smaller than other green sea turtle species.
The future is looking slightly brighter for one of the world’s most endangered birds after the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) announced last week that it is once again rearing mangrove finch chicks in captivity.
Ever wondered what it’s like to swim with friendly and playful Galapagos sea lions? This gorgeous GoPro footage shot by divers Florian Fischer and Patricio Garcés off the coast of South Plaza Island will give you a pretty good idea, though there is no substitute for the real thing, of course.
Almost every species of land-dwelling bird in the Galapagos Islands, including Darwin’s finches, feed on flower nectar and pollen, according to a report in the March 10 issue of Nature Communications. So what’s the big deal? According to Sciencenews.org, this expansion of diet across so many species has never been observed before in nature.
The Galapagos Islands are the best place in the world for wildlife, according to the recent 10Best reader’s choice poll sponsored by USA Today and Natural Habitat Adventures (NHA). The rankings were based on votes cast over a four week period in January and February.
Scientist’s say they have discovered the genetic “smoking gun” that explains how different species of Galapagos finches came into being and how they manage to evolve so rapidly in response to changes in their environments.
Have ever wondered what a bunch of captive juvenile Galapagos giant tortoises get up to when they think no one is watching? No? Well, now’s your chance.
It’s no secret that social media can sometimes prompt people do foolish things. More and more, the prospect of instant notoriety, or even just a lot of Facebook likes, seems to be too strong a lure for many, especially young people, to resist as they engage in increasingly outlandish behavior. Take the case of Fazal Shaik.
There are 19 endemic reptile species in the Galapagos Islands. While giant tortoises and the land and marine iguanas understandably get most of the attention, some of the archipelago’s lesser known reptile species are pretty interesting in their own right. For example, did you know that there are three species of snakes endemic to the islands?
The waved albatross (also known as the Galapagos albatross) is the largest bird in the Galapagos Islands. It is also the only species of albatross found in the tropics. Waved albatrosses mate for life, a relationship that begins with one of the most fascinating and elaborate courtship rituals in the animal kingdom.
