Galápagos fauna

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The Galápagos archipelago is famous as a home to animal species unique in the universe. One of these, and perhaps the best known, is the giant tortoise known as the Galápagos tortoise, which lives on seven of the islands. It has an average lifespan of more than 150 years.

The marine iguana is aiso extremely important since it is the only reptile adapted to life in the water. Land iguanas, lava lizards, geckos and harmless snakes are other smaller reptiles. The large number and range of birds is also of interest to scientists and tourists. Around 56 varieties live in the archipelago, of which 27 are found only in the Galápagos. Some of these are found only on one island.

The most outstanding are penguins, which live on the colder coasts, Darwin's finches, frigatebirds, albatrosses, gulls, boobies, pelicans and Galápagos Hawks, among others. The Flightless Cormorant, a peculiar bird which has lost the ability to fiy, is aiso part of this rich fauna. On the other hand, there are few mammal species. Among the best known are whales, dolphins and sea lions.

[edit] Flora

On the larger Galápagos Islands, four ecological zones nave been defined: coastal, low or dry, transitional and humid. In the first, species such as myrtle, mangrove and saltbush can be found. In the second grow cactus, the incensé tree, carob tree, poison apple tree, chala and yellow cordia, among others. In the transitional zone we can see taller trees, epiphytes and perennial herbs. The best known varieties are the cat's claw, espuela de gallo. In the humid sector are the cogojo, Galápagos guava, cat's claw, Galapagos coffee, passionflower and some types of moss, ferns and fungus.

[edit] External links

• Galapagos wildlife
• Galapagos Islands wildlife