With all the fuss Charles Darwin made about the evolution of the species after visiting these Islands, if you expect the likes of Vampire Finches feeding off the local endemic birds and four-eyed fish - you'll get nothing less...
Just off the coast in the north western region of South America lies the Ecuadorian province of The Galapagos Islands. Accredited with numerous recognition such as CEDAM's Seven Underwater wonders of the World, UNESCO Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, the Islands have unfortunately also been added to the World Heritage 'endangered List' in the hopes of protecting an ecosystem that took millions of ears to evolve.
Baltra, Floreana, Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz are 5 of the 19 varying sized islands (and 107 rock islets) that form part of Ecuador's National Park system that are inhabited by humans. Its population of 300 000 is comprised mainly of immigrants from Ecuador, Spain and Native Americans. Formed as a result of constant volcanic activity, the oldest island dates back 10 million years, with its newest addition 'born' in 2007.
The unpredictable nature of the Galapagos currents makes the area hard to navigate, so it's not a dive spot for beginners. Liveaboard vessels are the friendliest way to visit the islands without putting unnecessary pressure on the natural environment. The water can be cold, ranging between 10 and 23 degrees C.
Popular scuba spots include Gordon's Rocks, with its resident hammerheads, Darwin (the only home of the Vampire Finch) and Wolf Islands. Their warmer waters host an array of coral such as the Blue Sea Star Phataria Unifascialis, red phosphorescent the Horse conch Fasciolaria Princeps, sea urchins, sea stars and as many as 10 species of crabs. Wolf Island hosts an array of large pelagics. Other scuba sites are located at Punto Espejo and Leon Dormido.
Conservation
In the 1700's James Colnett suggested the Islands as the perfect location to set up whaling headquarters in the Pacific, as it was 'prudent' to do such things at the time. The reason for its undeterred biodiversity before the 1500's is a result of the fact that it is one of the few places in the world without an indigenous population.
The near extinction of the Galapagos tortoises (after whom the Island is named) and fur seals, can be attributed to these whalers who used them for numerous objectionable purposes. Fortunately the Galapagos land Iguana escaped the pressures of this fate, not being as well-endowed with fat or half as tasty.
When naturalist Charles Darwin visited the Islands in 1835 on the 'HMS Beagle', he noted varying species of the same bird in different areas - all unique to the islands. A good example is the famous Darwin's Finch, vampire bird who feeds off the blood of the non-protesting Nazca boobie. This kind of fascinating and rich biodiversity was the source of Darwin's inspiration for creating his evolutionary theory of natural selection 'survival of the fittest'.
The importance of protecting The Galapagos Islands appeared in dribbles until 1955 when the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and UNESCO turned their attention there on a permanent basis. It was declared as a National Park in celebration of the centenary of Darwin's 'Origin of the Species' publication and the primary body for conservation is now the Charles Darwin Foundation (Brussels) with its research station on Santa Cruz.
It was later recognized as a World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve but this was not enough, due to serious lack of funding, population problems, effects of world climate changes such El Nino (ENSO), tourism, oils spills and illegal fishing activity. Research since has however contributed to steps such as maintaining equilibrium though the eradication of species introduced such as dogs, cats, goats and so fourth, which has dangerously tipped the balance over the years.
The locals
It's the Galapagos, so the list of thrills is long and unique, among them are the local Iguana, two species of sea lion, red footed Nazca boobies, penguins, anglefish and white tipped reef sharks all awaiting to watch you watching them.
Among the 300 species of fish are Creole Fish Black Striped Salema Jacks , Barracudas, Moorish Idol, and Rainbow Wrass, Pacific Red-lipped Batfish, Yellow-tail, Stone scorpion fish Giant Damselfish poisonous Bulleye Puffer, Spotted morays ,Galapagos Garden Eels and Manta Ray. The whale list includes: Bride's Whale, Sperm Whales and Killer Whales.
[Close]
Darwin Island
(3)
Read more
RSS Feeds
