Galapagos National Park

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Satellite photo of the Galápagos islands overlayed with the Spanish names of the visible main islands.

In 1959, the government of Ecuador designated 97% of the land area of Galapagos as the country's first National Park. The remaining 3% is distributed between the inhabited areas of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana and Isabela.

In 1971, the Galápagos National Park Service had its first Superintendent, 2 officers and 6 park rangers on Santa Cruz Island. In 1974, the Galápagos National Park Service had its first management plan and a team of officials in accordance with the organic structure issued in 1973, with a Superintendent, 2 conservation officers, 40 park rangers to comply with management objectives.

In 1979 UNESCO declared the Galápagos Islands Natural Heritage for Humanity, making the Park Service through the Superintendent of the Park responsible for performing permanent park conservation and guarding the islands.

The Galápagos Marine Reserve was created in 1986. Additionally the same year the Galápagos National Park was included in the list of Biosphere Reserve because of its unique scientific and educational worth that should be preserved for perpetuity.

On January 28, 2008, Galapagos National Park official Victor Carrion announced the killing of 53 sea lions (13 pups, 25 youngsters, 9 males and 6 females) at Pinta, Galapagos Islands nature reserve with their heads caved in. In 2001 poachers killed 35 male sea lions.^[1]

[edit] Park Rules

The Galapagos Islands remain well preserved as a natural environment in large part due National Park Rules. These rules are established by the Galapagos National Park Services, and enforced by park wardens and trained guides.

No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
Do not touch or handle the animals.
Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
Do not deface the rocks.
Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
Show your conservationist attitude.