With a treasure trove of endemic species, the Galapagos Islands are renowned for natural wonders and unique wildlife. Darwin's studies of the plants and animals there played a pivotal role in the development of his theory of natural selection. Check out some of the unique animals that reside in this Pacific Ocean archipelago.
14 Unique Animals of the Galapagos Islands
of 14
Galapagos Tortoises
trio of large Galapagos tortoises standing on black rocky ground
Ian Kennedy / Shutterstock
These giant tortoises are so iconic that the islands received their name after descriptions of the animals reached the Spanish court of King Charles V ("galapago" means "tortoise" in Spanish). They are the largest living species of tortoise and are among the longest-living vertebrates, with potential lifespans over 170 years.
In the absence of any significant predators, adult tortoises evolved a docile demeanor, which unfortunately made them easy to exploit by early human settlers. An estimated population above 250,000 once existed on the islands as recently as 200 years ago, but there are about 20,000-25,000 alive today.
The good news is that intense conservation efforts have been successful for most of the subspecies, and the islands' tortoise populations are, for the most part, on the rebound.
Advertisements
31 August 2023
Advertisements
