What is a fun facts about the Galapagos Islands?

Born of fire: The Galápagos Archipelago is one the most volcanically active areas in the world. Situated atop a hotspot in the western Pacific, the islands were created over millennia of volcanic activity, as magma repeatedly broke through the sea floor and formed layer upon layer of rock, eventually becoming islands.

What is the biggest threat to the Galapagos Islands?

Invasive species taking over Humans have also introduced invasive animal and plant species to Galapagos, many of which aggressively out-compete native species or negatively impact on the Island’s habitats. Invasive species pose the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Galapagos.

How did the Galapagos get their name?

In 1570 the Galapagos Islands were included in a world atlas by a Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius. He named the islands ‘Insulae de los de Galapagos’. The shells of the giant tortoises reminded the visitors of horse saddles, and Galapagos comes from the Spanish word for saddle.

Why are the Galapagos Islands amazing?

The Galapagos Islands are uniquely located on both sides of the equator in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The islands are situated at a point in the Pacific Ocean where three ocean currents collide, creating a unique area in the sea where warm and varying degrees of cold water meet.

Who made Galapagos Islands famous?

The Galapagos Islands are located just off the coast of Ecuador and have become legendary because of one man -Charles Darwin.

Are the Galapagos Islands in danger?

The World Heritage Committee decided to remove the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) from the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger, despite IUCN´s recommendation to the contrary. “Threats from tourism, invasive species and overfishing are still factors and the situation in the Galapagos remains critical,” adds Badman.

What happened in the Galapagos Islands?

A famous rock formation off the Galapagos Islands known as Darwin’s Arch has collapsed. The Ecuadoran Ministry of Environment said it was due to “natural erosion”.

How old is Galapagos Islands?

Geologically, the Galapagos Islands are quite young, probably no more than five million years old.

Does anyone live on Galapagos?

The Galapagos Population Today – Do people live on the Galapagos Islands. Currently, four islands are inhabited, with a total of around 30,000 inhabitants. The largest ethnic group is Ecuadorian Mestizos. In 1959, only 1,000 to 2,000 people lived on the islands, growing to 15,000 by the 1980s.

Who is related with Galapagos Island?

The name of Charles Darwin and his famous book The Origin of Species will forever be linked with the Galapagos Islands. Although he was only in the Galapagos for five weeks in 1835, it was the wildlife that he saw there that inspired him to develop his Theory of Evolution.

Which are the best Islands to visit in Galapagos?

From Galapagos penguins to the enigmatic flightless cormorants that hang around the black, lava rock coast (which is covered by a crowd of equally black marine iguanas), Fernandina rightfully earns its place among the best islands to visit in Galapagos. Best Islands in Galapagos Decisive Factor: Penguins & Flightless Cormorants .

What to know about the Galapagos Islands?

Top 5 things to know about the Galapagos Islands, including steam train Tren Crucero. The Ecuadorian archipelago was the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory Of Evolution. Today’s visitors will be as mesmerised. Family fun For families with adventurous children, the Galapagos Islands, with their white powdery beaches, steaming volcanoes,…

Are there dangerous animals in the Galapagos Islands?

Dangerous Animals in the Galapagos Islands…. At sea, sharks and sea urchins are commonly spotted, while lion fish and other poisonous fish may also be present. Again, these creatures are not generally aggressive towards visitors and the danger is very small if you keep a safe distance.

What is so special about Galapagos?

Galapagos are special because the animals have no fear of Man. Sharing time with the creatures of Galapagos is a privileged chance for reflection. On this trip, I dived down underwater and did loop the loops and twisted and turned with a young sea lion pup, over and over with new lungfuls of air.