Reptilian life in the Galapagos is as prolific and diverse as that of the birds and mammals. The marine iguanas found here are the only examples of their species in the world and can often be missed as they bask along the shore, so effective is their sooty-black lava rock camouflage. Their land cousins are somewhat more colourful, varying from orange through to red and brown, and although Darwin allegedly dismissed both as ‘ugly and lazy’ they are fantastic little poseurs for your photo album. Due to dwindling numbers over the past few years they are now an endangered species.
The cheeky lava lizard can commonly be seen doing territorial “press ups” on most islands. There are seven endemic species of these, with colours ranging from grey and black to red and orange. Perhaps more aesthetically pleasing are the three species of giant tortoise who roam in the wild on Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal, and Española islands, weighing up to 250kg and distinguishable by the shape of their shell. Endemic to the islands, these creatures were killed in their thousands during the 18th and 19th centuries by whalers and sealers so that today only about 15,000 remain. In order to bring many of the separate sub-species back from near extinction, large numbers are being reared in the Darwin Research Station as part of the strictly controlled preservation scheme which collects and hatches eggs under observation and rereleases the young into safe zones on their native islands.
Also living in the Darwin Station is the only tortoise celebrity in the world; Lonesome George, who represents the final survivor of the Pinta Island subspecies and can sadly find no mate despite a $10,000 reward offered for anyone who could provide a female of the same species. With a life span of about 150 years it can be a lonely existence. The tortoise’s marine equivalent are the four species of turtles in the Galapagos, which you may be lucky enough to see paddling in the depths while out with your snorkel and fins. They are often seen in secluded lagoons during the later part of the year when they return for mating. Research shows that they have incredible navigational skills as the female returns each year to the beach on which she hatched to lay her own eggs.