Galapagos
Giant Land Tortoise
While mammals are predominant over most of the world, reptiles
and marine animals are more numerous in the Galapagos due to its isolation from other land masses. It is generally accepted
that these islands have never been connected to any larger land masses so all inhabitants have had to make the crossing of
over 600 miles (1000 KM) on reed or grass mats or other flotsam. (See photo of this grass in the Guayaquil section)
The Giant Galapagos Tortoise was hunted almost to extinction
by early buccaneers and whalers as they would stay alive for long periods without water. They were taken on board ships
and provided fresh meet for months as the ship sailed long distances in search or booty or whales. Tortoises are now
thought to number about 15,000 through out the Galapagos after an extensive and long term reintroduction program. Tortoise
eggs nests are still removed to sanctuary centers where they are raised until old enough to be reintroduced into the natural
habitat.
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Is
it just me or does anyone else see a resemblance between these two well known celebrities?
Okay, I'll stick my neck out on this!
Checking the Breeze.
Well,
there goes the neighborhood - I'm leaving for a classier location.
Preferably one without cameras.
Hay, You, With the shorts Get In Step!
This
is Lonesome George. The last of his species. Chelonoidis nigra abingdoni
I was lucky enough to see him in May, 2012. Unfortunately he died soon thereafter on June 24, 2012. It was
estimated that he was well over 100 years old and probably died due to "old age". Scientists are still checking
the DNA of other tortoises on his home island, hoping to find a surviving relative, but the outlook is poor.
Land
Iguanas
Galapagos Land Iguanas measure up to 40" long
and 28 lbs. Land Iguanas primarily
eat cactus pads. Yes, they are vegetarians but they may snack on
other plants
and occasionally, when no one is looking, snarf up an insect or two.
They can live up to 60 years.
The
coloring runs from pale to dark yellow, but occasionally leaning toward ochre.
It looks lot of place here but as you
will see in the following photos, the ground is primarily the same color.
As
with all the other fauna on the islands, the Land Iguana has no fear of man.
We were suppose to keep 6 feet away from
all wildlife and in many cases had
to back up as the animal or bird would come up to us.
It was prohibited to feed
any of the wildlife them but I have no doubt that any of them would have eaten out of our hands, although the hand
might have possibly been included in lunch!
Galapagos
Sea Iguanas
The
Galapagos Sea Iguana is the only ocean going lizard in the world. They range in size from 30 inches to 60
inches when full grown.
They feed predominately in the ocean near the shore line. Sea Iguanas, like their
land cousins, are cold blooded. Water temperature in the Galapagos ranges from the low to mid 70's. After
the Iguana finishes feeding in this relatively cold water, he must climb up on some lava rock and take an after lunch siesta
to warm up. Not a bad life, really!
looking for that warm spot.
Time to head out and collect lunch for the family. Just
kidding, I plan to eat it where I find it.
They will have to fish for themselves.
So far so good but I see a wave coming in.
No
problem I'll just dive under it and keep going
.
