Page 68 - World of Animals - Issue #31

Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands

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Islands in isolation
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“The Galapagos Islands have a unique set of environmental conditions,”
says Holly Forsyth, PR and communications officer at the Galapagos

Conservation Trust. “Their sunny equatorial position combined with
their location amid the cool Humboldt and Cromwell ocean currents
allows these special islands to display a strange mix of both tropical and
temperate environments, which is reflected in the unusual plants and

animals that inhabit them.”
The Galapagos Islands boast unique and beautiful animals, including
birds, reptiles and fish. It’s the location where naturalist and geologist

Charles Darwin studied wildlife in great depth; he set off for a five-

year voyage in 1831 and his findings here played a crucial part in the

development of his theory of natural selection.
Because of the remote location of the Galapagos, the islands have
some of the highest levels of endemic species in the world, including
80 per cent of the land birds, 30 per cent of the plant life, and 97 per
cent of the reptiles and land mammals. Sadly, the wildlife is under threat
from a number of elements including invasive species (which can cause
infections, predation and rivalry for resources), a greater number of
tourists, changes in climate and marine pollution.

Island natives

Introducing just a few of the unique island inhabitants

Darwin’s fi nch Galapagos penguin Galapagos mockingbird
This little bird is called a Darwin’s finch in The most northern of all penguins, this species is Galapagos mockingbirds are brave and

reference to naturalist Charles Darwin. Having marked out by its large bill and round face. The inquisitive. Their exploratory nature comes in
studied the wildlife on the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos penguins can be found on the Isabela handy when they are searching for food, which

Darwin noted that despite overall similarities, and Fernandina islands, where they eat small fish usually includes eggs, seeds and baby turtles.
there were subtle changes in size, claws and such as sardines and mullet. Throughout the year, They are also known to be good impersonators
beaks between the birds from different islands. they stay close to their breeding islands. as they are able to mimic phrases and song.
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