Can’t do a blog on the Galagos Islands without mentioning two very important species - the Giant Tortoises and Sharks. Conservationists have been diligently working to bring back the Giant Tortoises after nearly being wiped out.
Giant Tortoises
were exploited by whalers and buccaneers in the Galápagos archipelago in the 19th century. As it turns out, Tortoises could be kept in a ship’s hold for months with out food or water. Then as needed, the Tortoises were killed for meat. Thousands and thousands of Tortoises were captured and met their fate this way - bringing the species almost to extinction.
The Charles Darwin Research Station
is located on Santa Cruz Island and is the heart and soul of scientific research to bring back the population of Tortoises on islands they once thrived on.
Very interesting to see the Tortoises in different stages of their lives. The hope is to repopulate specific islands where they will become self sustaining and part of the eco system of that island.
Snorkeling was a big part of our cruise itinerary. Every day we donned the wet suits to explore the ocean and reefs surrounding different islands. Yes lots of tropical fish, but always on the look out for two types of sharks.
The White Tip Reef Shark
is shown in the video below. Chad shot this video on his GoPro camera. This shark is very timid and very unlikely to be a threat to humans. During the day, White Tip Reef Sharks spend much of their time resting inside caves. At night, they emerge to hunt bony fishes, crustaceans, and octopus. Very exciting moment for all of us to see these sharks so close.
Hammerhead Shark
is shown in the photo below. Because they were swimming at greater depths, we could only see their outlines. The hammer-like shape of the head may have evolved at least in part to enhance the animal's vision. The positioning of the eyes, mounted on the sides of the shark's distinctive hammer head, allows 360° of vision in the vertical plane, meaning the animals can see above and below them at all times. Much like the White Tip Reef Shark, they are timid and rarely would attack a human.
Three to five million years ago these oceanic volcanic islands were formed. More than likely species arrived by ocean currents - over three million years ago. It’s incredible to think that visitors are now able to see these species in their evolved form. Undeterred by humans that don’t provide a threat - they live their lives as they have for thousands of years.
To Hannah & Jack: Every day you showed such excitement to see and learn about all that makes the Galapagos Islands a special place on our planet - you made the trip all worth while.
