Discover the amazing and fearless wildlife that you can see on a fascinating visit to the Galapagos Islands.
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South America
Marine iguana
Reptilian life in the Galapagos is as prolific and diverse as that of the birds and mammals.
Synonymous with the Galapagos Islands, this beautiful reptile can live over 150 years and weigh over 270kg. There are 14 known sub-species, and the most famous “Lonesome George” is the last known tortoise to have survived from La Pinta Island.
Almost wiped out by whalers in the 19th century who used to hunt them and store them beneath deck for meat (it would stay fresh for months in its shell) the tortoises have made a strong recovery, despite males often mistaking large rocks for females to mate with!
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.
Where found : The tortoises can be seen in captivity on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands as well as in the wild in the highlands of the same islands.
This iguana is the only marine lizard on earth and is believed to have existed for 10 million years.
They are usually seen in large groups around the lava rock formations although can often be missed as they bask along the shore, so effective is their sooty-black lava rock camouflage. Their skin has adapted through its dark black hues to the ferocious sun that beats down on the Galapagos. It also acts as camouflage.
A marine iguana can dive down to 20m with its well developed flat tail and has been timed staying underwater for up to an hour. As well as fish the iguanas also feed on seaweed. The only other colour type of the same species may be found on Espanola. They display shiny green and red coloration and are sometimes called Christmas Tree Iguanas
Where found: Marine iguanas are seen throughout the Galapagos especially on the western-most islands.
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.
These iguanas feed most of the time on yellow flora and fruits of the islands such as prickly cactus pear. They can grow to one metre in length and live for 60 years.
Where found: They mainly reside on Santa Cruz, Plaza, Isabela and Fernandina islands as well as a newly discovered pink sub-species only found on Santa Fé.
Small and highly territorial reptiles found on most islands except Genovesa. There are seven endemic species of these, with colours ranging from grey and black to red and orange.
Females display colourful red throats whilst the males are much larger. Males undertake press-ups to try and attract a partner.
Where found: Found on most islands except Genovesa.