Animals of the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the world. About 97% of the mammals and reptiles found in the Galapagos are endemic, meaning that they are found nowhere else in the world except for the Galapagos. A further 80% of birds, 30% of plants, and 20% of marine life is endemic to the Galapagos. Many interesting species of endemic animals can be found in the Galapagos Islands. Many species are endemic because of the evolution due to the separation of the islands from other places. The Galapagos Islands are about 1,000 kilometers from the coast of Ecuador, and the islands have a unique saltwater barrier that makes it difficult for new plants to join the ecosystem. In this section, you will learn about the different species of animals and plants that can be found in the Galapagos Islands. Ranging from Galapagos penguins to giant tortoises to marine iguanas, the Galapagos has plants and animals that are very fun to learn about.