Thursday, April 3, 2025
The cost to fly to the Galapagos Islands from the United States .
The cost to fly to the Galapagos Islands from the United States varies depending on several factors, including your departure city, travel dates, airline, and how far in advance you book. Here's a breakdown based on available information as of April 3, 2025:
Flight Breakdown
International Flight to Mainland Ecuador:
You’ll first need to fly to one of Ecuador’s two main international airports: Quito (Mariscal Sucre International Airport, UIO) or Guayaquil (José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, GYE). There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos due to its status as a protected National Park.
Round-trip flights from major U.S. cities (e.g., Miami, New York, Houston, or Atlanta) to Quito or Guayaquil typically range from $400 to $1,200, depending on the season and booking timing. For example:
From Miami or New York, economy-class fares average $500–$550.
Last-minute bookings or peak seasons (June–August, mid-December–January) can push prices toward $1,200 or higher.
Booking in advance or traveling in off-peak months like September can lower costs to around $400.
Domestic Flight to the Galapagos:
From Quito or Guayaquil, you’ll take a domestic flight to one of two Galapagos airports: Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island or San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island. Airlines like Avianca, LATAM, and Equair operate these routes.
Round-trip fares from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos typically range from $360 to $650 per person:
From Guayaquil: $400–$500 on average.
From Quito: $450–$650, often with a brief stopover in Guayaquil (total flight time ~2.5 hours).
Children under 12 may qualify for discounts up to 50%.
Total Flight Cost
Combining both legs, the total round-trip cost from the U.S. to the Galapagos typically falls between $800 and $1,850 per person:
Low-end estimate: $400 (U.S. to Ecuador) + $360 (Ecuador to Galapagos) = ~$800.
High-end estimate: $1,200 (U.S. to Ecuador) + $650 (Ecuador to Galapagos) = ~$1,850.
An average range from major U.S. cities is $1,000–$1,200, as noted in some travel guides.
Additional Fees
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult (set to increase from $100 as of August 1, 2024), $50 for children under 12, payable in cash upon arrival.
Transit Control Card: $20 per person, purchased at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil before departure to the Galapagos.
Tips to Reduce Costs
Book Early: Flights booked well in advance (e.g., 3–6 months) often yield lower fares.
Flexible Dates: Use tools like Kayak or Skyscanner to find cheaper days (e.g., midweek flights like Tuesday or Wednesday).
Off-Peak Travel: September or early April tend to be less expensive than summer or winter holidays.
Points or Miles: Redeem airline miles for international flights to cut costs significantly.
Example Costs
From New York to Baltra (via Quito): Recent searches show round-trip fares starting at $569 (domestic + international combined) on sites like momondo, though $1,000–$1,200 is more typical with fees.
From Chicago to Baltra: Around $810 as a baseline, per Kayak data.
For a precise quote, I’d need your specific departure city and travel dates, but as a general range, expect $800–$1,850 including flights, with an additional $220 in fees per adult. Let me know if you’d like help narrowing it down further!
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The Charles Darwin Center.
The Charles Darwin Research Station, often simply called the "Darwin Center," located in the Galápagos Islands. It’s a key hub for science and conservation in the archipelago, so let me break it down for you.
The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research facility on Santa Cruz Island, near the town of Puerto Ayora, along Academy Bay. It’s run by the Charles Darwin Foundation, which was founded in 1959 with backing from UNESCO and the World Conservation Union. The station itself opened in 1964 and serves as the foundation’s headquarters.
Its main gig is conducting scientific research and promoting conservation of the Galápagos’ unique ecosystems—both on land and in the surrounding waters. Think of it as a base camp for studying and protecting the islands’ biodiversity, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas.
The place isn’t just for scientists, though. It’s got a visitor-friendly side with an Exhibition Hall showcasing over 60 years of research, a natural history collection, and the Van Straelen Interpretation Center, which dives into topics like shark conservation. There’s also the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where they raise giant tortoises to boost wild populations—pretty critical since these species have been hammered by invasive predators and habitat loss. You might’ve heard of Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise; his preserved remains are on display here as a symbol of what’s at stake.
The station’s campus is open to the public daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and while entry to the main exhibits is free (with a Galápagos National Park ticket), guided tours—like the $10 "Ruta de Tortuga"—offer a deeper look at the tortoise program. It’s a short walk from Puerto Ayora, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring Santa Cruz. Beyond tortoises, they’re tackling big issues like invasive species control, marine biodiversity, and climate change impacts, all while collaborating with Ecuadorian authorities to keep the islands sustainable.
So, in short, the "Darwin Center" is a research and conservation powerhouse named after Charles Darwin—whose 1835 visit to the Galápagos sparked his evolution theories—dedicated to keeping this biodiversity hotspot alive for the future. Anything specific you’re curious about?
Giant tortoise conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) in the Galápagos is a cornerstone of their work, and it’s a fascinating, hands-on effort to pull these iconic species back from the brink. Here’s how it plays out.
The Galápagos giant tortoises—spread across several species like Chelonoidis nigra—were once pushed to near extinction by human activity. Sailors and whalers in the 18th and 19th centuries harvested them by the tens of thousands for food, since they could survive months without eating or drinking. Add invasive species like rats, pigs, and goats (which eat eggs, compete for food, or wreck habitats), and habitat loss from settlers, and you’ve got a recipe for collapse. By the mid-20th century, some populations were down to a handful of individuals—or gone entirely, like the Pinta Island tortoise with Lonesome George’s death in 2012.
The CDRS stepped in with a breeding and repatriation program, centered at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center on Santa Cruz. It started in the 1960s when they realized wild reproduction wasn’t cutting it anymore. They collect eggs from vulnerable wild nests—especially from islands like Española, where numbers were critically low—or breed tortoises in captivity. The process is meticulous: eggs are incubated under controlled conditions (temperature dictates sex, so they tweak it to balance populations), and hatchlings are raised for 4-5 years until they’re big enough to survive predators like rats or hawks. Then, they’re released back to their native islands, a process called repatriation.
The numbers tell the story. On Española, the population dropped to just 15 tortoises by 1965. The breeding program kicked off, and over 2,000 captive-bred tortoises have been released there since. Today, the wild population is over 1,000 and self-sustaining—enough that the program for that species wrapped up in 2020. Across the archipelago, over 9,000 tortoises have been repatriated, boosting the total wild population to around 20,000-25,000, up from a low of maybe 3,000 in the 1970s. Each island’s species—like those on Pinzón or Santiago—gets tailored care, since they’ve evolved distinct traits over millions of years.
It’s not just about breeding, though. They’ve had to clear out invasive species—goats were eradicated from Santiago by 2006, for instance, letting vegetation recover for tortoise food. Genetic research also plays a role; they analyze DNA to ensure released tortoises match their island’s lineage, avoiding hybridization. And they monitor released tortoises with tags or GPS to track survival rates, which hover around 60-80% depending on the island’s conditions.
Challenges remain. Climate change could mess with nesting sites or food availability, and tourism—while funding conservation—puts pressure on habitats. Still, the CDRS’s work is a rare success story in a world full of biodiversity flops. Want to dig into any part of this—like the science, the logistics, or a specific species?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
property for sale on the galapagos islands
Land that time forgot - Real Estate in the Galapagos Islands
One of the best kept secrets in international real estate investing is that it is still possible for foreigners to purchase property in the world famous Galapagos Islands. This is something even most Ecuadorians don’t know since various bills have been drafted and approved to exclude foreign investors and developers, BUT, these bills have never been passed into law. There is still time to grab a little piece of this wonderland though real estate opportunities are admittedly somewhat limited.
Most of the Galapagos is a national park with only 3% of the land being available for development and most owners of private land are not in any hurry to sell. Savvy investors are snapping up what they can to ensure they and their descendants always have a vacation home in this land that time has forgotten.
The Lonely Planet Guide classifies the Galapagos as Evolution in Action and superlatives seem inadequate to describe the hauntingly beautiful yet barren volcanic setting in which the wildlife thrive. Unique species such as giant tortoises, the largest in the world, and for which the islands are named (up to 250 kg) roam the Santa Cruz Highlands.
Marine turtles are easily spotted through the crystal clear waters sleeping on shallow, sandy ocean floors. Marine iguanas, the only true marine lizards accompany you as you paddle along snorkeling the hundreds of coves, snuffing through their noses to eliminate salt from their bodies.
Seals and sea lions, whales, dolphins and even sharks swim calmly by you seemingly totally disinterested in your presence.
On top of all this there are 58 resident bird species and over 30 other migrant ones – a bird lover’s paradise. Sometimes as many as 750,000 seabirds are in residence in the Galapagos (after all its nothing but ocean all around). Boobies are the best known with their comical high stepping mating antics.
Blue footed boobies with, naturally, bright blue feet. Red footed boobies and beautiful masked boobies also abound delighting with their unusual plumage and colored bills and feet. Tiny Galapagos penguins constantly struggle to keep their cool while flightless cormorants dive for food and waved albatrosses tumble and squawk as they attempt their awkward landings.
I can’t describe the pleasure of wondering along the main harbor thoroughfare (Charles Darwin Blvd) and watching the local taxis being forced to halt and wait patiently while a large and stately pelican in the middle of the road stares them down.
Not only are the birds and animals of the Galapagos unafraid of people, they have the same lofty disinterest in the trappings of civilized life. Because these islands are unique in the world one can certainly understand why they are so protected.
Not all of the islands are inhabited and most of the residents live in the charming town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where the streets are paved with organic cobblestones and the houses are framed with bougainvilleas.
You won’t see cars parked out front very often as automobiles (except for public vehicles and taxis) are prohibited, but you will usually spot a boat in front of the garage. There is a major renaissance and restoration sweeping the area as old houses are lovingly restored and remodeled to provide all modern conveniences.
If snorkeling, diving or simply cruising the island is your pleasure, the main boulevard is lined with all manner of cruise operators from half day excursions to trips of several weeks on luxury crafts being offered. Whatever your budget there is a trip to accommodate. Surfing is also a big draw.
In between the cruise operators is a variety of excellent restaurants and snack bars, not to mention the ubiquitous souvenir shops. A good size grocery store together with several mini markets ensures you have all the comforts needed to provide you with a high standard of living and all these are within easy walking distance around the harbor.
Walking distance is, obviously, a very important factor unless you prefer to bicycle your way around and mountain bikes can be rented for a very reasonable daily price.
Live In The US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands have become a popular destination for retirees, second homeowners and anyone aspiring to live a better quality of life. In the Virgin Islands you can live the island life while still being protected by US laws, government and a stable economy.
The highlands contain a number of trails leading into the hills, a favorite with hikers and climbers and spectacular lava tunnels invite exploration.
One must not forget the world famous Charles Darwin Research center located in Puerto Ayora where the very successful tortoise breeding and rearing center attracts all manner of visitors. The harbor itself has a beautiful new dock and public recreation area, architecturally designed and stunning to the eye.
I don’t think you’ve really lived until you step from this beautiful dock into a water taxi that whisks you to some fabulous restaurant. There you sit, overlooking the bay and all the luxurious yachts of the truly rich bobbing at anchor sharing a premium wine or beer with someone very special while the velvety warmth of the night mingles with the rustlings and chirps of wildlife setting in for the night. How romantic is that?
Best bet is to purchase property with a substantial home already in place since all building materials must be transported from the Ecuadorian mainland and dynamite is often needed to blast for a solid footing. Building a new home can be a daunting operation even for native Spanish speaking Ecuadorians.
For the more adventurous however, there are occasionally opportunities further inland and there is even a small exclusive subdivision underway at Santa Cruz gardens (visit www.santacruzgarden.com for details) although this has been sold out since it was offered to the public.
Because of an illness within the owner’s family I have come up with 2 exceptionally low priced and very desirable properties for sale if anyone is interested and will keep you posted for more as they arise.
These lots are bargain priced at $18,000 each and are next to each other making the purchase of both a great chance to own a nice sized section (one is a corner lot).
This is an excellent alternative for the more adventurous would be home owner in the Galapagos as the subdivision property owners and management all club together to share information on home building and the best ways to get things done if you are not “on the scene”.
More information on the Galapagos can be found in several web sites and the highly recommended Ecuador Handbook by Julian Smith (Moon travel handbooks) and the Lonely Planet Guide to Ecuador.
As our civilized world gets more frenetic and dangerous it seems to me to be very important to have a timeless haven of sanity where one can regroup and recharge.
One of the best kept secrets in international real estate investing is that it is still possible for foreigners to purchase property in the world famous Galapagos Islands. This is something even most Ecuadorians don’t know since various bills have been drafted and approved to exclude foreign investors and developers, BUT, these bills have never been passed into law. There is still time to grab a little piece of this wonderland though real estate opportunities are admittedly somewhat limited.
Most of the Galapagos is a national park with only 3% of the land being available for development and most owners of private land are not in any hurry to sell. Savvy investors are snapping up what they can to ensure they and their descendants always have a vacation home in this land that time has forgotten.
The Lonely Planet Guide classifies the Galapagos as Evolution in Action and superlatives seem inadequate to describe the hauntingly beautiful yet barren volcanic setting in which the wildlife thrive. Unique species such as giant tortoises, the largest in the world, and for which the islands are named (up to 250 kg) roam the Santa Cruz Highlands.
Marine turtles are easily spotted through the crystal clear waters sleeping on shallow, sandy ocean floors. Marine iguanas, the only true marine lizards accompany you as you paddle along snorkeling the hundreds of coves, snuffing through their noses to eliminate salt from their bodies.
Seals and sea lions, whales, dolphins and even sharks swim calmly by you seemingly totally disinterested in your presence.
On top of all this there are 58 resident bird species and over 30 other migrant ones – a bird lover’s paradise. Sometimes as many as 750,000 seabirds are in residence in the Galapagos (after all its nothing but ocean all around). Boobies are the best known with their comical high stepping mating antics.
Blue footed boobies with, naturally, bright blue feet. Red footed boobies and beautiful masked boobies also abound delighting with their unusual plumage and colored bills and feet. Tiny Galapagos penguins constantly struggle to keep their cool while flightless cormorants dive for food and waved albatrosses tumble and squawk as they attempt their awkward landings.
I can’t describe the pleasure of wondering along the main harbor thoroughfare (Charles Darwin Blvd) and watching the local taxis being forced to halt and wait patiently while a large and stately pelican in the middle of the road stares them down.
Not only are the birds and animals of the Galapagos unafraid of people, they have the same lofty disinterest in the trappings of civilized life. Because these islands are unique in the world one can certainly understand why they are so protected.
Not all of the islands are inhabited and most of the residents live in the charming town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where the streets are paved with organic cobblestones and the houses are framed with bougainvilleas.
You won’t see cars parked out front very often as automobiles (except for public vehicles and taxis) are prohibited, but you will usually spot a boat in front of the garage. There is a major renaissance and restoration sweeping the area as old houses are lovingly restored and remodeled to provide all modern conveniences.
If snorkeling, diving or simply cruising the island is your pleasure, the main boulevard is lined with all manner of cruise operators from half day excursions to trips of several weeks on luxury crafts being offered. Whatever your budget there is a trip to accommodate. Surfing is also a big draw.
In between the cruise operators is a variety of excellent restaurants and snack bars, not to mention the ubiquitous souvenir shops. A good size grocery store together with several mini markets ensures you have all the comforts needed to provide you with a high standard of living and all these are within easy walking distance around the harbor.
Walking distance is, obviously, a very important factor unless you prefer to bicycle your way around and mountain bikes can be rented for a very reasonable daily price.
Live In The US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands have become a popular destination for retirees, second homeowners and anyone aspiring to live a better quality of life. In the Virgin Islands you can live the island life while still being protected by US laws, government and a stable economy.
The highlands contain a number of trails leading into the hills, a favorite with hikers and climbers and spectacular lava tunnels invite exploration.
One must not forget the world famous Charles Darwin Research center located in Puerto Ayora where the very successful tortoise breeding and rearing center attracts all manner of visitors. The harbor itself has a beautiful new dock and public recreation area, architecturally designed and stunning to the eye.
I don’t think you’ve really lived until you step from this beautiful dock into a water taxi that whisks you to some fabulous restaurant. There you sit, overlooking the bay and all the luxurious yachts of the truly rich bobbing at anchor sharing a premium wine or beer with someone very special while the velvety warmth of the night mingles with the rustlings and chirps of wildlife setting in for the night. How romantic is that?
Best bet is to purchase property with a substantial home already in place since all building materials must be transported from the Ecuadorian mainland and dynamite is often needed to blast for a solid footing. Building a new home can be a daunting operation even for native Spanish speaking Ecuadorians.
For the more adventurous however, there are occasionally opportunities further inland and there is even a small exclusive subdivision underway at Santa Cruz gardens (visit www.santacruzgarden.com for details) although this has been sold out since it was offered to the public.
Because of an illness within the owner’s family I have come up with 2 exceptionally low priced and very desirable properties for sale if anyone is interested and will keep you posted for more as they arise.
These lots are bargain priced at $18,000 each and are next to each other making the purchase of both a great chance to own a nice sized section (one is a corner lot).
This is an excellent alternative for the more adventurous would be home owner in the Galapagos as the subdivision property owners and management all club together to share information on home building and the best ways to get things done if you are not “on the scene”.
More information on the Galapagos can be found in several web sites and the highly recommended Ecuador Handbook by Julian Smith (Moon travel handbooks) and the Lonely Planet Guide to Ecuador.
As our civilized world gets more frenetic and dangerous it seems to me to be very important to have a timeless haven of sanity where one can regroup and recharge.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
galapagos islands conservation
Conservation
Mergefrom.svg
It has been suggested that Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)
Marine Iguana.
The Galápagos land iguanas are among the signature animals of the Galápagos islands.
Blue-footed Booby.
Waved Albatrosses' famous courtship ritual
Sea lions in the Galápagos are somewhat tame, and very curious.
Though the first protective legislation for the Galápagos was enacted in 1934 and supplemented in 1936, it was not until the late 1950s that positive action was taken to control what was happening to the native flora and fauna. In 1955, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature organized a fact-finding mission to the Galápagos. Two years later, in 1957, UNESCO in cooperation with the government of Ecuador sent another expedition to study the conservation situation and choose a site for a research station.
In 1959, the centenary year of Charles Darwin's publication of The Origin of Species, the Ecuadorian government declared 97.5% of the archipelago's land area a national park, excepting areas already colonised. The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was founded the same year. The core responsibility of CDF, an international non-governmental organization constituted in Belgium, is to conduct research and provide the research findings to the Government of Ecuador for effective management of Galápagos. CDF´s research efforts work began with the establishment of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in 1964. During the early years conservation programs, such as eradication of introduced species and protection of native species, were carried out by research station personnel. Now much of that work is accomplished by the Galapagos National Park Service using the research findings and methodologies developed by CDF.
In 1986 the surrounding 70,000 square kilometres (43,496 sq mi.) of ocean was declared a marine reserve, second only in size to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In 1990 the archipelago became a whale sanctuary. In 1978 UNESCO recognised the islands as a World Heritage Site, and in 1985 a Biosphere Reserve. This was later extended in December 2001 to include the marine reserve.
Noteworthy species include:
* Galápagos land iguanas, Conolophus spp.
* Marine Iguana, Amblyrhynchus cristatus, the only iguana feeding in the sea
* Galápagos tortoise (Galápagos Giant tortoise), Geochelone elephantopus, known as Galápago in Spanish, it gave the name to the islands
* Galápagos Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas agassisi, a subspecies of the Green Turtle.
* Sea cucumbers, the cause of environmental battles with fishermen over quotas of this expensive Asian delicacy.
* Flightless Cormorant, Phalacrocorax harrisi
* Great Frigatebird and Magnificent Frigatebird
* Blue-footed Booby, Sula nebouxii, popular among visitors for their large blue feet which they show off in courtship
* Galápagos Penguin, Spheniscus mendiculus, the only living tropical penguin
* Waved Albatross, Phoebastria irrorata, the only living tropical albatross
* Galápagos Hawk, Buteo galapagoensis, the islands' main scavenger and "environmental police"
* 4 endemic species of Galápagos mockingbirds, the first species Darwin noticed to vary from island to island
* 13 endemic species of tanagers, popularly called Darwin's finches. Among them is the Sharp-beaked Ground-finch Geospiza difficilis septentrionalis which is sometimes called the "Vampire Finch" for its blood-sucking habits, and the tool-using Woodpecker Finch, Camarhynchus pallidus
* Galápagos Sea Lions, Zalophus californianus, closely related to the California Sea Lion, but smaller
[edit] Environmental threats
Introduced plants and animals, such as feral goats, cats, and cattle, brought accidentally or willingly to the islands by humans, represent the main threat to Galápagos. Quick to reproduce, these alien species decimate the habitats of native species. The native animals, lacking natural predators on the islands, are defenseless to introduced species and fall prey.
Some of the most harmful introduced plants are the Guayaba or Guava Psidium guajava, avocado Persea americana, cascarilla Cinchona pubescens, balsa Ochroma pyramidale, blackberry Rubus glaucus, various citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemon), floripondio Datura arborea, higuerilla Ricinus communis and the elephant grass Pennisetum purpureum. These plants have invaded large areas and eliminated endemic species in the humid zones of San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz. Also, these harmful plants are just a few of introduced species on the Galápagos Islands. There are over 700 introduced plant species today. There are only 500 native and endemic species. This difference is creating a major problem for the islands and the natural species that inhabit them.
Many species were introduced to the Galápagos by pirates. Thor Heyerdahl quotes documents that mention that the Viceroy of Peru, knowing that British pirates ate the goats that they themselves had released in the islands, ordered dogs to be freed there to eliminate the goats. Also, when colonization of Floreana by José de Villamil failed, he ordered that the goats, donkeys, cows, and other animals from the farms in Floreana be transferred to other islands for the purpose of later colonization.
Non-native goats, pigs, dogs, rats, cats, mice, sheep, horses, donkeys, cows, poultry, ants, cockroaches, and some parasites inhabit the islands today. Dogs and cats attack the tame birds and destroy nests of birds, land tortoises, and marine turtles. They sometimes kill small Galápagos tortoises and iguanas. Pigs are even more harmful, covering larger areas and destroying the nests of tortoises, turtles and iguanas as well as eating the animals' native food. Pigs also knock down vegetation in their search for roots and insects. This problem abounds in Cerro Azul volcano and Isabela, and in Santiago pigs may be the cause of the disappearance of the land iguanas that were so abundant when Darwin visited. The black rat Rattus rattus attacks small Galápagos tortoises when they leave the nest, so that in Pinzón they stopped the reproduction for a period of more than 50 years; only adults were found on that island. Also, where the black rat is found, the endemic rat has disappeared. Cows and donkeys eat all the available vegetation and compete with native species for the scarce water. In 1959, fishermen introduced one male and two female goats to Pinta island; by 1973 the National Park service estimated the population of goats to be over 30,000 individuals. Goats were also introduced to Marchena in 1967 and to Rabida in 1971. However a recent goat eradication program has cleared most of the goat population from Isabela.
The fast growing poultry industry on the inhabited islands has been cause for concern from local conservationists, who fear that domestic birds could introduce disease into the endemic and wild bird populations.
The tanker Jessica aground in the Galapagos, January 2001.
The Galápagos marine sanctuary is under threat from a host of illegal fishing activities, in addition to other problems of development. The most pressing threat to the Marine Reserve comes from local, mainland and foreign fishing targeting marine life illegally within the Reserve, such as sharks (hammerheads and other species) for their fins, and the harvest of sea cucumbers out of season. Development threatens both land and sea species. The growth of both the tourism industry and local populations fuelled by high birth rates and illegal immigration threaten the wildlife of the Archipelago. The recent grounding of the oil tanker Jessica and the subsequent oil spill brought this threat to world attention.
Currently, the rapidly growing problems, including tourism and a human population explosion, are further destroying habitats.
In 2007, UNESCO put the Galápagos Islands on their World Heritage in Danger List. [4]
On January 28, 2008, Galapagos National Park official Victor Carrion announced that 53 sea lions (13 pups, 25 youngsters, 9 males and 6 females) were killed at Pinta, Galapagos Islands nature reserve with their heads caved in. In 2001 poachers killed 35 male sea lions.[5]
The Galápagos Islands were short-listed as a candidate to be one of the New7Wonders of Nature by the New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation. As of February 2009 the archipelago was ranking first in Group B, the category for islands.[6]
Mergefrom.svg
It has been suggested that Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)
Marine Iguana.
The Galápagos land iguanas are among the signature animals of the Galápagos islands.
Blue-footed Booby.
Waved Albatrosses' famous courtship ritual
Sea lions in the Galápagos are somewhat tame, and very curious.
Though the first protective legislation for the Galápagos was enacted in 1934 and supplemented in 1936, it was not until the late 1950s that positive action was taken to control what was happening to the native flora and fauna. In 1955, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature organized a fact-finding mission to the Galápagos. Two years later, in 1957, UNESCO in cooperation with the government of Ecuador sent another expedition to study the conservation situation and choose a site for a research station.
In 1959, the centenary year of Charles Darwin's publication of The Origin of Species, the Ecuadorian government declared 97.5% of the archipelago's land area a national park, excepting areas already colonised. The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was founded the same year. The core responsibility of CDF, an international non-governmental organization constituted in Belgium, is to conduct research and provide the research findings to the Government of Ecuador for effective management of Galápagos. CDF´s research efforts work began with the establishment of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in 1964. During the early years conservation programs, such as eradication of introduced species and protection of native species, were carried out by research station personnel. Now much of that work is accomplished by the Galapagos National Park Service using the research findings and methodologies developed by CDF.
In 1986 the surrounding 70,000 square kilometres (43,496 sq mi.) of ocean was declared a marine reserve, second only in size to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In 1990 the archipelago became a whale sanctuary. In 1978 UNESCO recognised the islands as a World Heritage Site, and in 1985 a Biosphere Reserve. This was later extended in December 2001 to include the marine reserve.
Noteworthy species include:
* Galápagos land iguanas, Conolophus spp.
* Marine Iguana, Amblyrhynchus cristatus, the only iguana feeding in the sea
* Galápagos tortoise (Galápagos Giant tortoise), Geochelone elephantopus, known as Galápago in Spanish, it gave the name to the islands
* Galápagos Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas agassisi, a subspecies of the Green Turtle.
* Sea cucumbers, the cause of environmental battles with fishermen over quotas of this expensive Asian delicacy.
* Flightless Cormorant, Phalacrocorax harrisi
* Great Frigatebird and Magnificent Frigatebird
* Blue-footed Booby, Sula nebouxii, popular among visitors for their large blue feet which they show off in courtship
* Galápagos Penguin, Spheniscus mendiculus, the only living tropical penguin
* Waved Albatross, Phoebastria irrorata, the only living tropical albatross
* Galápagos Hawk, Buteo galapagoensis, the islands' main scavenger and "environmental police"
* 4 endemic species of Galápagos mockingbirds, the first species Darwin noticed to vary from island to island
* 13 endemic species of tanagers, popularly called Darwin's finches. Among them is the Sharp-beaked Ground-finch Geospiza difficilis septentrionalis which is sometimes called the "Vampire Finch" for its blood-sucking habits, and the tool-using Woodpecker Finch, Camarhynchus pallidus
* Galápagos Sea Lions, Zalophus californianus, closely related to the California Sea Lion, but smaller
[edit] Environmental threats
Introduced plants and animals, such as feral goats, cats, and cattle, brought accidentally or willingly to the islands by humans, represent the main threat to Galápagos. Quick to reproduce, these alien species decimate the habitats of native species. The native animals, lacking natural predators on the islands, are defenseless to introduced species and fall prey.
Some of the most harmful introduced plants are the Guayaba or Guava Psidium guajava, avocado Persea americana, cascarilla Cinchona pubescens, balsa Ochroma pyramidale, blackberry Rubus glaucus, various citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemon), floripondio Datura arborea, higuerilla Ricinus communis and the elephant grass Pennisetum purpureum. These plants have invaded large areas and eliminated endemic species in the humid zones of San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz. Also, these harmful plants are just a few of introduced species on the Galápagos Islands. There are over 700 introduced plant species today. There are only 500 native and endemic species. This difference is creating a major problem for the islands and the natural species that inhabit them.
Many species were introduced to the Galápagos by pirates. Thor Heyerdahl quotes documents that mention that the Viceroy of Peru, knowing that British pirates ate the goats that they themselves had released in the islands, ordered dogs to be freed there to eliminate the goats. Also, when colonization of Floreana by José de Villamil failed, he ordered that the goats, donkeys, cows, and other animals from the farms in Floreana be transferred to other islands for the purpose of later colonization.
Non-native goats, pigs, dogs, rats, cats, mice, sheep, horses, donkeys, cows, poultry, ants, cockroaches, and some parasites inhabit the islands today. Dogs and cats attack the tame birds and destroy nests of birds, land tortoises, and marine turtles. They sometimes kill small Galápagos tortoises and iguanas. Pigs are even more harmful, covering larger areas and destroying the nests of tortoises, turtles and iguanas as well as eating the animals' native food. Pigs also knock down vegetation in their search for roots and insects. This problem abounds in Cerro Azul volcano and Isabela, and in Santiago pigs may be the cause of the disappearance of the land iguanas that were so abundant when Darwin visited. The black rat Rattus rattus attacks small Galápagos tortoises when they leave the nest, so that in Pinzón they stopped the reproduction for a period of more than 50 years; only adults were found on that island. Also, where the black rat is found, the endemic rat has disappeared. Cows and donkeys eat all the available vegetation and compete with native species for the scarce water. In 1959, fishermen introduced one male and two female goats to Pinta island; by 1973 the National Park service estimated the population of goats to be over 30,000 individuals. Goats were also introduced to Marchena in 1967 and to Rabida in 1971. However a recent goat eradication program has cleared most of the goat population from Isabela.
The fast growing poultry industry on the inhabited islands has been cause for concern from local conservationists, who fear that domestic birds could introduce disease into the endemic and wild bird populations.
The tanker Jessica aground in the Galapagos, January 2001.
The Galápagos marine sanctuary is under threat from a host of illegal fishing activities, in addition to other problems of development. The most pressing threat to the Marine Reserve comes from local, mainland and foreign fishing targeting marine life illegally within the Reserve, such as sharks (hammerheads and other species) for their fins, and the harvest of sea cucumbers out of season. Development threatens both land and sea species. The growth of both the tourism industry and local populations fuelled by high birth rates and illegal immigration threaten the wildlife of the Archipelago. The recent grounding of the oil tanker Jessica and the subsequent oil spill brought this threat to world attention.
Currently, the rapidly growing problems, including tourism and a human population explosion, are further destroying habitats.
In 2007, UNESCO put the Galápagos Islands on their World Heritage in Danger List. [4]
On January 28, 2008, Galapagos National Park official Victor Carrion announced that 53 sea lions (13 pups, 25 youngsters, 9 males and 6 females) were killed at Pinta, Galapagos Islands nature reserve with their heads caved in. In 2001 poachers killed 35 male sea lions.[5]
The Galápagos Islands were short-listed as a candidate to be one of the New7Wonders of Nature by the New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation. As of February 2009 the archipelago was ranking first in Group B, the category for islands.[6]
galapagos islands demographics
Demographics
It is one of the few places in the world without an indigenous population. The largest ethnic group is composed of Ecuadorian Mestizos, the mixed descendants of Spanish colonists and indigenous Native Americans, who arrived mainly in the last century from the continental part of Ecuador.
In 1959, approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people called the islands their home. In 1972 a census was done in the archipelago and a population of 3,488 was recorded. By the 1980s, this number had risen to more than 15,000 people, and 2006 estimates place the population around 40,000 people.
It is one of the few places in the world without an indigenous population. The largest ethnic group is composed of Ecuadorian Mestizos, the mixed descendants of Spanish colonists and indigenous Native Americans, who arrived mainly in the last century from the continental part of Ecuador.
In 1959, approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people called the islands their home. In 1972 a census was done in the archipelago and a population of 3,488 was recorded. By the 1980s, this number had risen to more than 15,000 people, and 2006 estimates place the population around 40,000 people.
more galapagos islands history
History
European discovery of the Galápagos Islands occurred when Spanish Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the fourth Bishop of Panama, sailed to Peru to settle a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and his lieutenants. De Berlanga's vessel drifted off course when the winds diminished, and his party reached the islands on March 10, 1535. According to a 1952 study by Thor Heyerdahl and Arne Skjølsvold, remains of potshards and other artifacts from several sites on the islands suggest visitation by South American peoples prior to the arrival of the Spanish.
The islands first appeared on maps in about 1570 in those drawn by Abraham Ortelius and Mercator. The islands were called "Insulae de los Galopegos" (Islands of the Tortoises).
The first English captain to visit the Galápagos Islands was Richard Hawkins, in 1593. Until the early 19th century, the archipelago was often used as a hideout by mostly English pirates who pilfered Spanish galleons carrying gold and silver from South America to Spain.
Alexander Selkirk, whose adventures in Juan Fernández Islands inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe, visited the Galápagos in 1708 after he was picked up from Juan Fernández by the privateer Woodes Rogers. Rogers was refitting his ships in the islands after sacking Guayaquil.
The first scientific mission to the Galápagos arrived in 1790 under the leadership of Alessandro Malaspina, a Sicilian captain whose expedition was sponsored by the King of Spain. However, the records of the expedition were lost.
In 1793, James Colnett made a description of the flora and fauna of Galápagos and suggested that the islands could be used as base for the whalers operating in the Pacific Ocean. He also drew the first accurate navigation charts of the islands. Whalers killed and captured thousands of the Galápagos tortoises to extract their fat. The tortoises could also be kept on board ship as a means of providing of fresh protein as these animals could survive for several months on board without any food or water. The hunting of the tortoises was responsible for greatly diminishing, and in some cases eliminating, certain species. Along with whalers came the fur-seal hunters who brought the population of this animal close to extinction.
Ecuador annexed the Galápagos Islands on February 12, 1832, naming it Archipelago of Ecuador. This was a new name that added to several names that had been, and are still, used to refer to the archipelago. The first governor of Galápagos, General José de Villamil, brought a group of convicts to populate the island of Floreana and in October 1832 some artisans and farmers joined.
The voyage of the Beagle brought the survey ship HMS Beagle under captain Robert FitzRoy to the Galápagos on September 15, 1835 to survey approaches to harbors. The captain and others on board including his companion the young naturalist Charles Darwin made a scientific study of geology and biology on Chatham, Charles, Albemarle and James islands before they left on October 20 to continue on their round-the-world expedition. Darwin noticed that mockingbirds differed between islands, though he thought the birds now known as Darwin's finches were unrelated to each other and did not bother labelling them by island.[2] The Englishman Nicolas Lawson, acting Governor of Galápagos for the Republic of the Equator, met them on Charles Island and as they walked to the prison colony told him that tortoises differed from island to island. Towards the end of the voyage Darwin speculated that the distribution of the mockingbirds and the tortoises might "undermine the stability of Species".[3] When specimens of birds were analysed on his return to England it was found that many apparently different kinds of birds were species of finches which were also unique to islands. These facts were crucial in Darwin's development of his theory of natural selection explaining evolution, which was presented in The Origin of Species.[2]
José Valdizán and Manuel Julián Cobos tried a new colonization, beginning the exploitation of a type of lichen found in the islands (Roccella portentosa) used as a coloring agent. After the assassination of Valdizán by some of his workers, Cobos brought from the continent a group of more than a hundred workers to San Cristóbal island and tried his luck at planting sugar cane. He ruled in his plantation with an iron hand which lead to his assassination in 1904. Since 1897 Antonio Gil began another plantation in Isabela island.
Over the course of a whole year, from September 1904, an expedition of the Academy of Sciences of California, led by Rollo Beck, stayed in the Galápagos collecting scientific material on geology, entomology, ornithology, botany, zoology and herpetology. Another expedition from that Academy was done in 1932 (Templeton Crocker Expedition) to collect insects, fish, shells, fossils, birds and plants.
During World War II Ecuador authorized the United States to establish a naval base in Baltra island and radar stations in other strategic locations. Baltra was also established as a US Air Force Base at this time. Crews stationed at Baltra patrolled the Pacific for enemy submarines as well as providing protection for the Panama Canal. After the war the facilities were given to the government of Ecuador. Today the island continues as an official Ecuadorian military base. The foundations and other remains of the US base can still be seen as one crosses the island. In 1946 a penal colony was established in Isabela Island, but it was suspended in 1959. The Galápagos became a national park in 1959 and tourism started in the 1960s.
European discovery of the Galápagos Islands occurred when Spanish Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the fourth Bishop of Panama, sailed to Peru to settle a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and his lieutenants. De Berlanga's vessel drifted off course when the winds diminished, and his party reached the islands on March 10, 1535. According to a 1952 study by Thor Heyerdahl and Arne Skjølsvold, remains of potshards and other artifacts from several sites on the islands suggest visitation by South American peoples prior to the arrival of the Spanish.
The islands first appeared on maps in about 1570 in those drawn by Abraham Ortelius and Mercator. The islands were called "Insulae de los Galopegos" (Islands of the Tortoises).
The first English captain to visit the Galápagos Islands was Richard Hawkins, in 1593. Until the early 19th century, the archipelago was often used as a hideout by mostly English pirates who pilfered Spanish galleons carrying gold and silver from South America to Spain.
Alexander Selkirk, whose adventures in Juan Fernández Islands inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe, visited the Galápagos in 1708 after he was picked up from Juan Fernández by the privateer Woodes Rogers. Rogers was refitting his ships in the islands after sacking Guayaquil.
The first scientific mission to the Galápagos arrived in 1790 under the leadership of Alessandro Malaspina, a Sicilian captain whose expedition was sponsored by the King of Spain. However, the records of the expedition were lost.
In 1793, James Colnett made a description of the flora and fauna of Galápagos and suggested that the islands could be used as base for the whalers operating in the Pacific Ocean. He also drew the first accurate navigation charts of the islands. Whalers killed and captured thousands of the Galápagos tortoises to extract their fat. The tortoises could also be kept on board ship as a means of providing of fresh protein as these animals could survive for several months on board without any food or water. The hunting of the tortoises was responsible for greatly diminishing, and in some cases eliminating, certain species. Along with whalers came the fur-seal hunters who brought the population of this animal close to extinction.
Ecuador annexed the Galápagos Islands on February 12, 1832, naming it Archipelago of Ecuador. This was a new name that added to several names that had been, and are still, used to refer to the archipelago. The first governor of Galápagos, General José de Villamil, brought a group of convicts to populate the island of Floreana and in October 1832 some artisans and farmers joined.
The voyage of the Beagle brought the survey ship HMS Beagle under captain Robert FitzRoy to the Galápagos on September 15, 1835 to survey approaches to harbors. The captain and others on board including his companion the young naturalist Charles Darwin made a scientific study of geology and biology on Chatham, Charles, Albemarle and James islands before they left on October 20 to continue on their round-the-world expedition. Darwin noticed that mockingbirds differed between islands, though he thought the birds now known as Darwin's finches were unrelated to each other and did not bother labelling them by island.[2] The Englishman Nicolas Lawson, acting Governor of Galápagos for the Republic of the Equator, met them on Charles Island and as they walked to the prison colony told him that tortoises differed from island to island. Towards the end of the voyage Darwin speculated that the distribution of the mockingbirds and the tortoises might "undermine the stability of Species".[3] When specimens of birds were analysed on his return to England it was found that many apparently different kinds of birds were species of finches which were also unique to islands. These facts were crucial in Darwin's development of his theory of natural selection explaining evolution, which was presented in The Origin of Species.[2]
José Valdizán and Manuel Julián Cobos tried a new colonization, beginning the exploitation of a type of lichen found in the islands (Roccella portentosa) used as a coloring agent. After the assassination of Valdizán by some of his workers, Cobos brought from the continent a group of more than a hundred workers to San Cristóbal island and tried his luck at planting sugar cane. He ruled in his plantation with an iron hand which lead to his assassination in 1904. Since 1897 Antonio Gil began another plantation in Isabela island.
Over the course of a whole year, from September 1904, an expedition of the Academy of Sciences of California, led by Rollo Beck, stayed in the Galápagos collecting scientific material on geology, entomology, ornithology, botany, zoology and herpetology. Another expedition from that Academy was done in 1932 (Templeton Crocker Expedition) to collect insects, fish, shells, fossils, birds and plants.
During World War II Ecuador authorized the United States to establish a naval base in Baltra island and radar stations in other strategic locations. Baltra was also established as a US Air Force Base at this time. Crews stationed at Baltra patrolled the Pacific for enemy submarines as well as providing protection for the Panama Canal. After the war the facilities were given to the government of Ecuador. Today the island continues as an official Ecuadorian military base. The foundations and other remains of the US base can still be seen as one crosses the island. In 1946 a penal colony was established in Isabela Island, but it was suspended in 1959. The Galápagos became a national park in 1959 and tourism started in the 1960s.
galapagos weather
Weather
These satellite maps show chlorophyll concentration (which corresponds with the abundance of phytoplankton) during El Niño (top) and La Niña (lower). Blue represents low concentrations, yellow, orange and red indicate high concentrations. Currents that normally fertilize the phytoplankton reverse during El Niño, resulting in barren oceans. These same currents are strengthened by La Niña resulting in an explosion of ocean life.
The bottom image shows sea surface temperature, cool up welling waters are coloured purple. Thriving phytoplankton populations are indicated by high chlorophyll concentrations (top image), coloured green and yellow. Images acquired on March 2, 2009.
Although located on the Equator, the Humboldt Current brings cold water to the islands, causing frequent drizzles during most of the year. The weather is periodically influenced by the El Niño phenomenon which brings warmer temperatures and heavy rains.
During the season known as the "Garua" (June to November) the temperature by the sea is 22°C (71.6°F), a steady and cold wind blows from South and Southeast, and frequent drizzles (Garuas) last most of the day, along with dense fog which conceals the islands. During the warm season (December to May) the average sea and air temperature rises to 25°C (77°F), there is no wind at all, there are sporadic though strong rains and the sun shines.
Weather changes as altitude increases in the large islands. Temperature decreases gradually with altitude, while precipitation increases due to the condensation of moisture in clouds on the slopes. There is a large variation in precipitation from one place to another, not only with altitude but also depending on the location of the islands, and also with the seasons.
The following table corresponding to the wet 1969 shows the variation of precipitation in different places of Santa Cruz Island:
Location Charles Darwin
Station Devine Farm Media Luna
Altitude 6 m 320 m 620 m
January 23.0 mm 78.0 mm 172.6 mm
February 16.8 mm 155.2 mm 117.0 mm
March 249.0 mm 920.8 mm 666.7 mm
April 68.5 mm 79.5 mm 166.4 mm
May 31.4 mm 214.6 mm 309.8 mm
June 16.8 mm 147.3 mm 271.8 mm
July 12.0 mm 42.2 mm 135.6 mm
August 3.8 mm 13.7 mm 89.5 mm
September 18.5 mm 90.9 mm 282.6 mm
October 3.2 mm 22.6 mm 96.5 mm
November 11.0 mm 52.8 mm 172.7 mm
December 15.7 mm 84.1 mm 175.3 mm
TOTALS 469.7 mm 1901.7 mm 2656.4 mm
The precipitation also depends on the geographical location. During March 1969 the precipitation over Charles Darwin Station, on the southern coast of Santa Cruz was 249.0 mm, while on Baltra Island the precipitation during the same month was only 137.6 mm. This is due to the fact that Baltra is located behind Santa Cruz with respect to the prevailing southerly winds, so most of the moisture gets precipitated in the Santa Cruz highlands.
There are significant changes in precipitation from one year to another too. At Charles Darwin Station the precipitation during March 1969 was 249.0 mm, but during March 1970 it was only 1.2 mm.
These satellite maps show chlorophyll concentration (which corresponds with the abundance of phytoplankton) during El Niño (top) and La Niña (lower). Blue represents low concentrations, yellow, orange and red indicate high concentrations. Currents that normally fertilize the phytoplankton reverse during El Niño, resulting in barren oceans. These same currents are strengthened by La Niña resulting in an explosion of ocean life.
The bottom image shows sea surface temperature, cool up welling waters are coloured purple. Thriving phytoplankton populations are indicated by high chlorophyll concentrations (top image), coloured green and yellow. Images acquired on March 2, 2009.
Although located on the Equator, the Humboldt Current brings cold water to the islands, causing frequent drizzles during most of the year. The weather is periodically influenced by the El Niño phenomenon which brings warmer temperatures and heavy rains.
During the season known as the "Garua" (June to November) the temperature by the sea is 22°C (71.6°F), a steady and cold wind blows from South and Southeast, and frequent drizzles (Garuas) last most of the day, along with dense fog which conceals the islands. During the warm season (December to May) the average sea and air temperature rises to 25°C (77°F), there is no wind at all, there are sporadic though strong rains and the sun shines.
Weather changes as altitude increases in the large islands. Temperature decreases gradually with altitude, while precipitation increases due to the condensation of moisture in clouds on the slopes. There is a large variation in precipitation from one place to another, not only with altitude but also depending on the location of the islands, and also with the seasons.
The following table corresponding to the wet 1969 shows the variation of precipitation in different places of Santa Cruz Island:
Location Charles Darwin
Station Devine Farm Media Luna
Altitude 6 m 320 m 620 m
January 23.0 mm 78.0 mm 172.6 mm
February 16.8 mm 155.2 mm 117.0 mm
March 249.0 mm 920.8 mm 666.7 mm
April 68.5 mm 79.5 mm 166.4 mm
May 31.4 mm 214.6 mm 309.8 mm
June 16.8 mm 147.3 mm 271.8 mm
July 12.0 mm 42.2 mm 135.6 mm
August 3.8 mm 13.7 mm 89.5 mm
September 18.5 mm 90.9 mm 282.6 mm
October 3.2 mm 22.6 mm 96.5 mm
November 11.0 mm 52.8 mm 172.7 mm
December 15.7 mm 84.1 mm 175.3 mm
TOTALS 469.7 mm 1901.7 mm 2656.4 mm
The precipitation also depends on the geographical location. During March 1969 the precipitation over Charles Darwin Station, on the southern coast of Santa Cruz was 249.0 mm, while on Baltra Island the precipitation during the same month was only 137.6 mm. This is due to the fact that Baltra is located behind Santa Cruz with respect to the prevailing southerly winds, so most of the moisture gets precipitated in the Santa Cruz highlands.
There are significant changes in precipitation from one year to another too. At Charles Darwin Station the precipitation during March 1969 was 249.0 mm, but during March 1970 it was only 1.2 mm.
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