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Iguanas,
Turtles, Lizards & Snakes |
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Marine Iguanas
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are the only ocean going iguanas in the world.
You will see them on many shores basking in the sun to
warm up after staying in the water to feed on algae. On
most islands they are mostly darkly colored but on Española, the
most eastern island, the males are quite colorful,
especially at mating time. |
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Male Marine Iguana of Española |
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Female Marine Iguana |
Male Marine Iguana |
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Land Iguanas
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There are two species in the archipelago. The
Galapagos Land Iguana is found on the islands of
Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, Seymour
& Plazas whereas the more palid Santa Fe Iguana
only on Santa Fe Island. Both are found
near the coast and further inland feeding on vegetation. |
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Galapagos Land Iguana (endemic) |
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Santa Fe Iguana (endemic) |
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Pink Iguanas
In 2009 a
third specie of land iguana was recognized in
the archipelago. Because of its more pinkish skin
it is called the Pink Iguana.
It can be found in the interior part of Española
island and cannot not be seen by tourists on any
visitor site. Genetic
analysis warranted finally its own specie status. |
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Lava Lizard
(endemic) There are seven species found on the
islands. |
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Galapagos Snake (endemic) |
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Giant Tortoises
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are Galapagos' most famous reptiles. Males are
twice as large as females. There are several
subspecies or races found on the islands.
They can be distinguished by the shape of their shell. |
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Giant Tortoises (endemic) |
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Sea Turtles
(click for further
information)
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spend all their life in the oceans. The only
exception to that is the female which comes at night on
shore to lay their eggs. You find their tracks on sandy
beaches. The Green Sea Turtle is very common
in Galapagos whereas the Hawksbill is more seldom
seen. Also found in the waters is the huge
Leatherback Sea Turtle. |
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Pacific Green Sea Turtle |
Hawksbill Turtle |
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