Galápagos Islands Animals

The Galápagos Islands are a part of the South American nation of Ecuador situated off the western coast of the country. It is an archipelago consisting of volcanic islands on both sides of the equator. The islands are well-known for the diverse range of endemic fauna that can be found there. Let us take a look at the various animals that inhabit the Galápagos Islands.

Galapagos Land Animals

Galapagos Islands Animals

Animals in the Galapagos Islands

Animals on Galapagos Island

Conservation

Continued illegal fishing and introduction of non-native species have had its impact on the endemic population of animals in the Galápagos Islands. The World Wide Fund for Nature has headed the conservation efforts on the Islands for over 50 years to ensure that the unique wildlife is preserved.

Pictures of Galapagos Islands Animals

Animals on the Galapagos Islands

Did you know?

• One of the most recognizable animals of the Galapagos Islands is the Galapagos tortoise. It is also where the archipelago gets its name, as early Spanish settlers identified the island with these giant tortoises, which can live for up to 170 years.
• These islands are home to the green sea turtle, one of the oldest species on earth that has watched dinosaurs evolve and go extinct.
• Mammals most common in the Galapagos Islands are the sea lions.
• The Galapagos penguin is the only one of its kind to live north of the equator.
• Darwin’s finches, a group of 15 tanagers found in the Galapagos Islands, are unique in their similarities in skin color and body formation, but each with a differently shaped beak.