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The Galapagos Islands are as fascinating as in Darwin’s day, thanks to the protection afforded by their national park and marine reserve status and a designation as a World Natural Heritage. Unique even bizarre or comical creatures, knowing virtually no natural predators, ignore humans as they cavort, rest or play in their fabulous environment. For naturalists, bird watchers, divers and everyone inspired by natural beauty, the Galapagos Islands provide an overwhelming, unforgettable experience.
Introduction
The enchanted isles making up the archipelago, some 1000 km off the Ecuadorian mainland, are named after the Spanish “Galapago” riding saddle that Fray Tomas de Berlanga noticed its similarity with the shell of tortoises when he accidentally discovered the islands 1535 on his travels from Panama to Peru. After this official discovery the islands remained in obscurity, serving as safe havens for pirates and buccaneers, notably British, later whalers until the arrival of the H.M.S Beagle with a young naturalist named Charles Darwin onboard. Darwin referred to the archipelago as a “natural laboratory”. His observations of the adaptations of fauna and flora were crucial in formulating his theory of natural selection.
As the summits of active shield volcanoes, the oldest some 5 million years old and youngest a mere million, the islands are still in the process of formation. Despite being originally devoid of life, the islands were slowly colonized by birds, marine mammals, reptiles, insects and even rats which survived the chance crossing from the mainland on flotsam. The flora has a similar origin, arriving as seeds attached to birds or in animal guts. Isolation from the continent and the special geological and climatic conditions, dominated by the upwelling of the Antarctic Humboldt current and the warm el Niño current, resulted in the evident speciation: 875 catalogued trees and plants of which 228 are endemic and 397 are residents. There are 58 species of birds where 28 are endemic. 19 of the 22 species of reptiles are endemic and 4 of the 16 resident species of mammals are endemic.
The ideal way to appreciate the unique natural history and beauty of the archipelago is sailing on a boat across its beautiful seas and under the guidance of a naturalist. Like this you will discover the secrets that every island holds for you.
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