The Galapagos Islands are one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. They were famously studied by Charles Darwin and led to many breakthroughs in evolutionary history. With many species being endemic to the islands, Galapagos is the only place in the world where some of these rare animals can be found. From giant tortoises over 100 years old to swimming iguanas and rare blue-footed birds, here’s a look at some of the most amazing animals of the Galapagos Islands.
1. Galapagos Tortoise
The Galapagos tortoise–also referred to as the giant tortoise due to its impressive size, is the unofficial mascot of the Galapagos Islands! This fascinating tortoise species was once studied by famous biologist Charles Darwin and led to many important discoveries about the island's evolution.
Galapagos tortoises are the largest of all tortoise species with some weighing upwards of 500 pounds. Also known for their long lifespan, Galapagos tortoises can live well over 100 years. Some individuals have even been documented to live over 150 years!
Galapagos tortoises thrived in their remote environment for centuries. Unfortunately, like many other endangered species, upon their discovery by humans their population fell greatly. Hunted for their meat and shells and threatened by habitat loss, Galapagos tortoises are now on the International Union for Conservation or IUCN's red list. Conservation efforts are underway through the Galapagos Conservancy Organization to protect the tortoise’s habitat and bring them back from the brink of extinction.
2. Pink Iguana
Native only to a remote volcanic area on Isabela Island, the pink iguana is one of the most endangered species of the Galapagos Islands. There are currently only around 200 of them left in the wild. The pink iguana species is believed to be over five million years old and is one of the prime examples of the island’s evolutionary history.
Teams of scientists and conservationists are currently working to document the pink iguana population as well as protect it as best possible. A low rate of juvenile pink iguanas has led experts to believe that nests are being decimated by strange invasive predators. More research is needed, but conservation efforts continue in hopes of increasing these animals’ numbers.
3. Blue-Footed Booby
With vivid blue feet and striking eyes, the blue-footed booby is one of the most fascinating creatures of the Galapagos Islands. Blue-footed boobies congregate on the rocky coastlines of several of the Galapagos Islands which are their prime fishing grounds. They are known for their charming “clumsy” walking as they scurry about the beaches.
While not considered threatened yet, conservationists are concerned about them becoming an endangered bird species in the future. The Galapagos Conservancy has launched a study of blue-footed booby colonies to identify the causes of their decline and take proactive measures to support them.
4. Galapagos Sea Lion
The Galapagos sea lion is another icon of this archipelago. Often seen lounging on beaches and playfully following fishermen around the docks, these sweet sea lions are a tourist favorite! They are the smallest species of sea lion and are documented to be much more social than their U.S. cousins.
Galapagos sea lions are endangered and face many threats to their survival. Increased plastic pollution has been identified as one of their threats, with sea lions being found entangled in discarded plastic items.
The Galapagos Conservancy has launched the Plastic Pollution Free Campaign to increase public awareness and reduce the use of single-use plastic on the islands. This will hopefully not only help the sea lions but all animals of the Galapagos facing threats from plastic pollution.
5. Frigate Bird
The frigate bird is one of the most unusual bird inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. They are easily identified by their large, red balloon-like throats. Besides their unique appearance, these birds feed almost exclusively by stealing food from other birds. They are often seen chasing the island’s other most famous bird–the blue-footed booby. Frigates do not fish, but they are more than happy to help themselves to the catch of another!
6. Galapagos Land Iguana
Galapagos land iguanas are known for their bright yellow colors and impressive stature–often growing up to five feet. They are found in the drier lowland areas of several of the islands where they feed on prickly pear cactus and fruit.
While these extraordinary iguanas can live up to 50 years in the wild, their lives are often cut short due to habitat loss and unnatural predators introduced to the area, such as cats. Some islands had seen total extinction of the species in the 1970s. The Charles Darwin Research Station led efforts to reintroduce the iguanas and establish new colonies.
While they are still listed as vulnerable on the IUCN's red list, the Galapagos land iguana has seen a successful comeback in some areas. Conservation efforts are ongoing.
7. Galapagos Marine Iguana
Similar to their land-dwelling cousins but with one very big difference, the Galapagos marine iguana is the only sea-dwelling lizard in the world! Marine iguanas are only found on the Galapagos Islands. Experts believe this marine iguana species evolved from land iguanas millions of years ago.
The Galapagos marine iguana is an excellent swimmer and adapted to feed on algae. These iguanas even sneeze salt! They are considered vulnerable and face many threats similar to other marine inhabitants of the Galapagos including plastic pollution.
8. Darwin’s Finch
Named for famed biologist Charles Darwin, Darwin’s finch is an umbrella term for 13 different subspecies. The study of these finches led to important discoveries in Charles Darwin’s evolutionary research on the islands.
Darwin noted that although the different species of finches all shared a common ancestor, each was well adapted to its specific environment and food source, thus furthering his conclusion on natural selection.
Today, Darwin’s finches are still at the center of fascination for many biologists. Studied for conservation purposes–many of the subspecies are listed as vulnerable or critical. The mangrove finch–one of the rarest of the subspecies, has only a population of around 100 left. The Charles Darwin Foundation continues to research and protect these finches as well as other endangered species throughout the Galapagos Islands.
