Category: Galapagos Information

An Albino Darwin's Finch was seen in Galapagos Islands on the border of the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island     Albino Darwin's Finch: The excursionists were very excited about this sighting that happened while doing the excurcion the volcano Sierra Negra in Isabela Island, organized by Nature Galapagos & Ecuador. After the tour the guide informed the Galapagos National Park on this important sighting. "Albino animals are extremely rare and unusual. They have all the characteristics of others of their species except they are all white in color. Not one inch of their natural coloring comes through as their bodies are unable to produce a pigment known as melanin. Melanin creates the normal pigmentation and coloring in an animal's skin, fur or scales. This lack of melanin generally results in the animal looking bleached all over, appearing white or pink. Being white doesn't mean an animal is albino. The true test is in the eye coloration. All albino animals have pink/red eyes whereas white animals with blue eyes are called leucistic, which means they may have a reduced amount of pigmentation in relation to a normal specimen of their species but it is not as severe as albinism. We have some of both pictured here. Albinism is an inherited trait and is passed from adult to young. An albino offspring is formed from a specific combination of genes coming together in any species. Albinos are rare because the genes which cause albinism are recessive and rarely occur." Source: Factzoo.com

Some interesting Galapagos Giant Tortoise Facts Galapagos Giant tortoise facts. The Galapagos Islands are indeep very famous for its evolutionary history and diversified flora and fauna. The blue sea water, the variety of colored soils and abundance of endemic species of animals and birds are all major attractions for travelers. But nothing fascinates travelers and scientific community alike than the chance to get a close view of the giant tortoises. Commonly known as Galapagos tortoises or Galapagos giant tortoises. Quick Facts Galapagos tortoises are the world’s largest tortoises. There are some types of these that exceed 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and weigh almost 550 pounds (250 kilograms). Their large bodies are covered by a protective layer of a hard shell, which is dull brown in color. Their shells are of two types; dome shaped and saddle-back. They mostly live on grasses, berries, lichens and leaves. These tortoises have a very high longevity, ranging from 155 to 175 years. They are mostly found in Isabela, Floreana, Pinta and Santa Cruz islets of the Ecuador Galapagos Islands. The longer life span of the tortoises has been a subject of great researches all over the world. The average life of these tortoises is 155 years. There are various reasons as to how they can survive for such a long time, some of which are mentioned below:    Why do they live longer? Storage of water and moisture. They acquire a lot of moisture from the sap present in the vegetation they eat and from dew. They can drink a lot of water quickly when thirsty and can store it in the root of their necks and in bladders, which work as storage tanks. Therefore, they survive for a long time without food and water, which could be even as long as 18

Best Time To Visit Galapagos Best Time To Visit Galapagos: The Galapagos Islands are comprised of thirteen primary islets, of which only four are populated. It is situated over 500 miles offshore from the mainland of Ecuador and is home to an assortment of exotic animals, including lava lizards and giant sea tortoises. Renowned biologist Charles Darwin conducted some of his studies in this islands that have kept drawing in tourists. Who are captivated by the islands and have a desire to catch a glimpse of its unspoiled natural habitats. There isn’t a wrong or right time to travel to the region as the two distinct seasons that exist in the Galapagos Islands have their own set of benefits. Anyway, here's a some info on the Galapagos climate and Seasosn so that you may determine what is the Best Time To Visit Galapagos Islands?  The Two Peak Tourist Seasons - Best Time To Visit Galapagos The first of the peak tourist seasons in Galapagos Islands runs from June through September and the second runs from December to January. The Islands' national park has a limit to the number of visitors. Can come to the Islands during this period. The Best Time to See the Wildlife Unlike many wildlife destinations, animals in Galapagos Islands can be seen year-round. You may have to take into consideration the fact that their behavior varies. Do you want to swim with baby sea lions, play with penguins, sea turtles laying their eggs or see tortoises hatching? If you want to see particular species or catch mating, birthing or nesting seasons. You can choose your vacation time according to the Galapagos Islands two seasons. The Two Seasons of the Galapagos Islands The islands are isolated, so the Galapagos climate is, determined almost entirely by the ocean

What you need to know about the Galapagos Sierra Negra Volcano The Galapagos Sierra Negra Volcano stands impressively over the picturesque Isabella Island, with a height of around 4,500 feet. Admirers from all over the world are attracted to the Sierra Negra volcano to peer into the humongous crater. Which has a 6-mile diameter that makes it the second biggest crated on earth. Even though the volcano is still considered active, there has not been any major activity on the site since 2005. However, seismologists still keep a keen eye on the major eruptive zones in order to guarantee safety for the visitors. Despite the seemingly omnipresent fog that surrounds the Galapagos Sierra Negra Volcano. Many visitors still visit this location to relish in the sweeping surrounding vistas. The entire landscape here seems as if something out of a science fiction scene in a movie. Its massive caldera offers the perfect setting for hiking in beautiful volcanic terrain to not only enjoy the calming landscapes that surround this volcano but also see the native flora and fauna that makes Galapagos famous. The easiest route of reaching the Galapagos Sierra Negra Volcano is by hiking the 5.5 mile trail. You can choose to either do it on horseback or on foot, for those who are in good physical shape. Images Gallery   It is good to note that it is not possible to visit the Sierra Negra Volcano without a certified guide. This is done to ensure that you not only have the best experience but also to ensure public safety. After a half hour’s drive from the small Puerto Villamil town, a route that passes through some lava flows and humid vegetation. Visitors then arrive at the Park outpost where the Galapagos Sierra Negra Volcano hike begins. The first hour