The Galapagos Islands are home to numerous
animals , most of which are unafraid of humans. The Galapagos archipelago is renowned for its
unique and fearless wildlife and has become a mecca for
natural-history enthusiasts. |
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Here, you can swim with sea lions,
float eye-to-eye with penguins, stand beside a blue-footed booby and
ogle as it feeds its young. The islands' renowned bird and marine
life includes albatrosses, penguins, boobies, turtles, giant
tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, whales and dolphins. The dominant quadrupeds in the islands are
reptiles - which is why Galapagos was long considered a refuge for
prehistoric, primitive creatures. Galapagos has twenty-two species
of reptiles belonging to five families: tortoises, marine turtles,
lizards and iguanas, geckos, and snakes. Twenty of these are endemic
to the archipelago and many are endemic to individual islands.
Because
the Galapagos Islands are surrounded by thousands of miles of open
ocean, seabirds have a prominent place in the island's fauna. Five
species (of 19) are endemic to Galapagos. For land birds, 22 of 29
resident species are endemic.
The mammal you'll
see the most of is the Galapagos sea lion, but there's also a great
chance to spot dolphins and whales when cruising between the
islands.
Scientists have recorded more than 300 species of fish, and
snorkeling among schools of colorful tropical fish in Galapagos is
an extremely rewarding experience.
Visitors never
leave without many memories and pictures of the wonderful creatures
found in this special place. |
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