---

Galapagos land/shore
wildlife rankings

Criteria: Interest among sophisticated visitors to the Galapagos.

---

Giant tortoises

Once, 250,000 existed in the Galapagos. Today, the population is down to 15,000, mainly due to 19th-century whalers harvesting them for food and liquid. The most famous giant tortoise is the century-and-a-half old Lonesome George, who lives comfortably at the Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz Island. The carapace (upper part of the shell) is unique on each Galapagos island, an evolutionary development. The giant tortoise is the largest land or sea turtle in the world It weighs up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds). The giant tortoises' estimated lifespan is 150 years, some experts believe longer. 

Espanola, Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Santiago.

---

Marine iguanas

This Galapagos species is famous for its prehistoric monster-like appearance (see photo). Some reach one meter (three feet) in length. Marine iguanas are the world's only bona fide sea-going lizard. These Galapagos creatures spend their leisure time onshore lazing together on dry, lava rock for warmth and protection (their soot-black skin camouflages them). Marine Iguanas are mainly vegetarians. They dive-feed in the sea, mainly for young algae and seaweed.

Fernandina, Floreana, Isabela, North Seymour, and Santa Cruz.

---

Land iguanas

These sizable "dragon" lizards measure up to 3 meters long and some live over 60 years. The land iguana's normally yellow-orange to brown-color skin makes it a snap for first-timers to distinguish them from marine iguanas, their distant relative. Land iguanas prefer dry island areas. Diet is mainly vegetarian. Cactus fruit is a favorite food, for substance, nutrients and water.

Espanola, Fernandina, Isabela, and Santa Fe.

---

Click PAGE TWO for wildlife rankings # 

---

Best 5 islands
Top 5 land & shore wildlife
Top 5 birds
Top 5 marine life

Best Galapagos ships by category
Boat class - pros & cons
Itinerary tips
Cost and booking tips

Best time to go
Getting there tips
Packing tips
Snorkeling tips
Diving tips
Some more helpful tips

Celebrity Xpedition
Charles Darwin - Brief bio
Interesting Galapagos facts

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

---

---

Ecuador Ministry of Tourism

---

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com