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 Marine Iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) - the only sea-going lizards on Earth. They live and breed on land, yet they feed in the ocean, grazing on algae (seaweed) in the littoral zone of all the Gallapagos Islands. Older specimens will swim >30 ft. (9 m) underwater to feed, with diving time durations of usually a few minutes (but can be extended to around 30 minutes). This specimen at Playa Brava - Isla Santa Cruz.
