Alluring Animals of the Galapagos

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
by Jared Johnsen

More than anything else, animals are the reason people come to the Galapagos. Indeed, it is the very reason for the islands’ famed importance. Never belonging to any continent, but up-welling from the ocean floor below, these isolated volcanic islands are the home to many intriguing creatures that are unique not only for their occasional tameness as with the sea lion, but for the distinct adaptations they have developed for living in such an environment. I have chosen three stunning animals that I think make for a treasured visit to the Galapagos.

The Gigantic Galapagos Tortoise

First off there is the giant Galapagos tortoise, whose saddle-like shell gave rise to the Spanish name Galapagos. This large domed shell, sometimes extending to an astounding 6 feet in length, actually has a high-reaching arch around the turtles neck, allowing this type of Galapagos tortoise to reach vegetation higher off the ground. These animals, as well as their dome-shaped cousins, are herbivores and eat the limited amount of vegetation provided on the island. The tortoises also benefit from a symbiotic relationship with the finch, which when encountered will be allowed to eat the ticks off the tortoise’s unshelled parts. The tortoise lifts up its cumbersome load and stretches out its neck and legs giving the bird access, thus ridding them of the parasite. They can weigh up to 500 hundred pounds and it is claimed that they can almost live up to a year with out food and water, displaying their great endurance for the islands’ sometimes inhospitable weather. These ancient giants wake up around 8 A.M., lounging and grazing throughout the day, and retire around sundown. Their top cruising speed is just over 0.1 miles an hour. It’s really hard not to love these guys.

The Sea-Daring Marine Iguana

A less lethargic animal, but equally as fascinating for its evolutionary adaptations is the Galapagos marine iguana. In contrast to their land dwelling cousins, their claws are long and sharp, enabling them to cling to rocks along the shoreline to avoid being pulled away by heavy waves. A blunt nose assists them in feeding on seaweed and a flattened tail provides them with efficient maneuvering under water. As a result of this salty endeavor they build up too much of the substance, which they rid themselves of with a salt gland unheard of in any other iguana that is located between their eyes and nostrils. All of the salt is channeled to the nostril where it is periodically sneezed out. On many islands they are a dark black color similar the volcanic surface below them. However, ones on Espanola brighten to a vibrant red or green during breeding season due the ingestion of a type of seaweed only occurring during this time in the summer.

The Infamous Blue-Footed Boobie

The last is an animal everyone has heard of, if for nothing other than its silly name and appearance. Named the blue footed boobie because of the Spanish word bobo, or clown, these birds have a cross-eyed appearance. Their forward-looking eyes allow them stereo vision, but renders them quite silly looking to the onlooker. Getting a good glimpse at one of these guys will not be difficult as they often build their nests right in the middle of the trail and are seemingly unbothered by visitors walking by unless they are protecting eggs, in which case they will only allow you within a few feet of them. One of the most amazing things about them though, is their courtship dance. The male rhythmically lifts up each showy blue foot, one at a time in a goose step, and shifts his glance to and fro from the females face. The dance reaches a climax when both birds turn away from one another and point their tails in a skyward position. The male then places a pebble over an imaginary nest and the female places a twig on top of it. Then the two knock beaks together and clear the area before copulating. This is probably one of the most amazing courtships you will ever witness. Their fishing technique is also quite a spectacle to observe, in which they dive headlong into the water at great speed assisted by air bubbles in their heads, allowing them to briefly chase fish underwater.

Many of the animals on the island are tame and allow you close proximity. And everyone enjoys experiencing the sea lion’s tameness in the water as it steels your belongings and taunts you with them and there are certainly a great number of others I’ll have to allow you discover for yourself. But whether you are after macro-lens photos or a close encounter, the individual creatures of the Galapagos are sure to amaze.