Galapagos Islands - Mammals / Reptiles / Crustaceans - Ecuador
The volcanic rock islands of the Galapagos Archipelago are home to some of the greatest levels of endemism (species living no where else on Earth). Around 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, 80% of the land birds, and >30% of the vegetation are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago and its immense marine reserve is known as the unique "Living Museum and Showcase of Evolution". The following images include mammals, reptiles, crustaceans, and fish - during the mid-summer season, upon 7 of the Galapagos Islands.
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Galapagos Tortoise - there are 11 subspecies in the archipelago. The primary distinction is large size, having domed shells, living on larger islands, with more rainfall - vs. - small size, having saddleback shells, living on smaller islands, with dry vegetation. This adult specimen upon the lower northwestern slope of Volcan Alcedo - (west-central) Isabela Island.
