The Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, near Ecuador, are known thanks to Charles Darwin, since it was precisely in this place where he began to develop his theories. The fauna that resides there is endemic, which means that it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The giant tortoise and Darwin's finches are some of the species that can be seen in this territory. Do you want to meet the animals of the Galapagos Islands? Then read on!
1. Galapagos turtle
In the Galapagos Islands there are different species of giant tortoises, among them is the Fernandina's giant tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus or Chelonoidis nigra). The habitat of this species is the volcanic terrain of Fernandina Island, which is why it is considered critically endangered and possibly extinct [1]
Since 1906, when it was classified, few sightings have been made of this species, especially those that can be confirmed. In February 2019, it is suspected that one of these tortoises was sighted by a team from the Galapagos Conservancy's Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative.
two. Galapagos sea lion
Among the fauna of the Galapagos Islands, is the sea lion(Zalophus wollebaeki), a marine mammal that reaches between 100 and 250 kilos. The snout of the species is elongated and the skin is distinguished by its brown and gray color, with a smooth and shiny appearance. They are currently found not only on these islands, but also on Cocos Island (Costa Rica). It is estimated that its population is decreasing and that there are currently around 10,000 individuals. Therefore, it is considered an endangered species according to the IUCN[2]
3. Galapagos Albatross
Another of the animals of the Galapagos Islands is the albatross (Phoebastria irrorata). It inhabits the Island of Hispaniola, where it builds its nests on the ground as a result of volcanic eruptions. Although it breeds on the island, the rest of the year it lives in Peru and Ecuador This species is 90 cm tall and is characterized by black or leaden plumage on the neck down, while the upper part of the body is white. Illegal fishing and the effect of tourism affect its conservation status, which is why it is in critically endangered[3]
4. Red Footed Booby
The redfooted (Sula sula) is a bird that is included among the fauna of the Galapagos Islands, although its worldwide distribution is wide: it can be found in multiple countries in Latin America, Asia and even Europe It is a completely marine species that feeds on fish. When not soaring the skies in search of food, it rests on lushly vegetated island areas. Due to its decreasing population trend, it is considered a species of least concern[4]
5. Marine iguana
Among the marine animals of the Galapagos Islands is the marine iguana(Amblyrhynchus cristatus), the only iguana species that can live near s alt water. It is endemic to this territory and the only one of its kind. Although it lives mostly on the coasts, it is also found in mangroves. This iguana feeds on algae and is characterized by its large size , since the males can reach up to 15 kilos. Like other species of iguanas, they spend much of their time sunbathing. It is in vulnerability situation according to the IUCN[5]
6. Darwin's Finch
The Darwin's finches (Thraupidae) are a family of birds comprising eighteen species. They are among the endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands and the study of the shapes of their beaks, adapted to consume different types of food, was crucial for Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution. Although the different species show differences in the colors of the plumage and the shapes of the beaks, these birds usually measure a maximum of 20 cm in height. They feed on insects, fruits, plants, among others.
Some of them are considered species of least concern, such as the Tanager finch (Oreothraupis arremonops) or thevelvet tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii). However, there are others that are threatened, such as the Chiapas Tanager (Tangara cabanisi), in danger of extinction, or the Tangara of cherry throat (Nemosia rourei), critically endangered.
In the image we can see a tanager finch:
7. Galapagos Penguin
Another of the endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands is the Galapagos penguin or Galapagos bobo bird (Spheniscus mendiculus). It is the only species of penguin that lives in that part of the world, where it feeds on fish and other marine prey.
During the last 30 years, the species' population has decreased by up to 60%, making it Endangered [6] Its main threats are hunting, the introduction of invasive species into its habitat, pollution and climate change.
8. Invasive parasitic fly
One of the invertebrate animals of the Galapagos Islands is the invasive fly(Philornis downsi). It is a species native to Trinidad and Brazil, and introduced to the islands, where it has become a veritable plague, putting endemic species at risk. This fly is capable of parasitizing different species of birds , including finches, and causing the death of their young. In addition, it feeds on fruit and nectar, although the larvae need the blood of the birds they parasitize to develop.
9. Blue-footed booby iucn
The Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) is a species of bird found in the Galapagos Islands, but it also inhabits coastal areas from Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, Chile and Panama. It is another of the animals of the Galapagos Islands studied by Darwin on his way through the islands. In general, these seabirds feed on sardines and anchovies, and are also predated by dolphins. They prefer to breed in areas such as cliffs and cliffs with little vegetation. It's considered sort of a least concern[7]
10. Hammerhead shark
We close the list of animals of the Galapagos Islands with the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) is among the marine species of the islands Galapagos, although its passage through waters that surround the territory is sporadic. They are easy to recognize by the shape of their head, similar to a hammer. It prefers to live in warm areas, where it feeds on fish, crustaceans and other animals. The species is considered endangered, as it is threatened by overfishing[8]
Endangered Animals of the Galapagos Islands
As we have already mentioned, the survival of the fauna of the Galapagos Islands is threatened for various reasons. These are the animals of the Galapagos Islands that are also in danger of extinction:
- Fernandina's giant tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus)
- Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)
- Santiago giant tortoise (Chelonoidis darwini)
- Galapagos Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata)
- Darwin's giant tortoise (Chelonoidis microphyes)
- Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)
- Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis)
- Giant Finch Tortoise (Chelonoidis duncanensis)
- Galapagos Eel (Quassiremus evionthas)
- Galapagos Sea Bream (Archosargus pourtalessi)
- Chinese bream (Calamus taurinus)
- Galapagos Falcon (Buteo galapagoensis)
- Galapagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia)
- Galapagos Fur Seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis)