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One of the Most Defining Factors of Galapagos Is the Wide Selection of Animal Species That Are Endemic to the Islands

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One of the Most Defining Factors of Galapagos Is the Wide Selection of Animal Species That Are Endemic to the Islands THE BIG 15 CHECKLIST One of the most defining factors of Galapagos is the wide selection of animal species that are endemic to the islands. The “Big 15” animals are the most iconic breeds across the archipelago. During your trip to Galapagos, you are likely to encounter the majority of these animals. Overview Because the Galapagos Islands were undeveloped for millions of years, the animals across the region have no fear of humans. Because of this, travelers are able to have up close and personal interactions with a vast variety of species. From marine mammals to birds to reptiles, there are many extraordinary animals that have found a home in the islands that are covered in volcanic terrain. You will encounter many of these creatures during your expedition. Galapagos Flightless Galapagos Giant Tortoise Cormorant Albatross The Galapagos The flightless The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is an cormorants are Albatross is endangered animal small, strange somewhat difficult that has the ability birds. This animal to encounter to live wellover 100 is the only type because it resides years. Because of of cormorant solely on Espanola their extensive life that cannot fly. Island. This is the and endangered population, these animals Because of their interesting heritage, largest bird in the region, with a wingspan are perhaps the most popular wildlife the cormorant mating rituals are unique, over eight-feet long and a weight of 11 attraction found on the Galapagos Islands. commonly including a period of time pounds. These birds have unique mating where the females fight for male attention. rituals and extensive flight routes. Galapagos Red-Footed Blue-Footed Penguin Booby Booby The Galapagos The red-footed Although blue- Penguin is an booby is much footed boobies are extremely unique less common than incredibly popular, species. This is the the blue-footed they can sometimes only type of penguin and Nazca booby be hard to catch that can be found breeds. These a glimpse of. This north of the Equator. active birds often species has bright This endemic species thrives in tropical travel almost 90 miles in their search for blue webbed feet that are jarring upon first altitudes and lives alongside the tourists food. Because they are nimble, these birds glance. Their webbed feet only turn blue that are exploring off the shore and are agile and focused as they hunt for fish. when they reach full maturation. across the land. Marine Iguana Galapagos Land Iguana These color- Sea Lion These large shifting creatures Thankfully, you will reptiles can live search for prey likely encounter up to 60 years, above and beneath these adorable growing to stretch the surface of the sea creatures on over three feet long. water. Algae is the almost every one Because of their primary food source of the Galapagos size, these lizards for this variation Islands. Although often travel and of iguana. This endemic breed is the only they spend much time basking in the sun, bask in small groups. In general, this breed marine lizard species across the entire they have playful personalities. Depending prefers to reside on the dry lowlands of globe that spends time in the ocean. on their gender, these creatures weigh specific islands. between 200 and 600 pounds. Galapagos Santa Fe Greater Flamingo Iguana Frigate Bird Because of their This lizard is The greater frigate consumption of constantly birds are distinctive shrimp, these birds blending in with because they have have some of the the natural habitat a large, red pouch brightest features on Santa Fe that can be found of any species. Island. To much on the underside Although they can surprise, this of their neck. These be over 4 feet tall, they still only weigh stocky lizard can grow to reach almost birds often have one mate for the entirety of roughly 6 pounds on average. These birds 200 pounds. Although these creatures their lifetime. In addition, they often travel typically stand on one feet to conserve can easily blend in with their environment, large distances across Galapagos. body heat. they typically have a yellow coloring. Galapagos Galapagos Nazca Hawk Fur Seal Booby The Galapagos Galapagos fur The Nazca booby hawks are seals are only born is not unique to the constantly preying in litters of one. Galapagos Islands. on smaller birds, These small seals Although these lizards, and turtles are social, but small creatures that are nesting their population appear to be around the islands. has decreased gentle, they often This dark colored bird has incredibly broad steadily for multiple years in a row. take aggressive measures to ensure their features. Because this species is endemic Although they spend roughly 30% of their survival. With a black monochrome body to Galapagos, it has a very small worldwide time on shore, fur seals prefer nesting in and an orange beak, this species is the population count. areas that provide partial shade. largest of the booby family..
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