What does the Galapagos Marine Reserve do?
The MPA is designed to protect the biodiversity of the islands and the surrounding waters. The park was also created to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources by local residents. Tens of thousands of people live on the Galapagos Islands, which include an Ecuadorian military base.
Why is Galapagos National Park important?
The Galapagos National Park was the very first area to be designated as a national park in Ecuador in 1959. The Galapagos National Park is home to over 2,000 species of Galapagos animals from Darwin’s finches to giant tortoises, marine iguanas and flightless cormorants.
What was so special about the Galapagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of islands, or archipelago, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are part of the country of Ecuador, in South America. The Galápagos are best known for their diverse array of plant and animal species. Many species are endemic, which means they are not found anywhere else in the world.
Why are the Galapagos Islands in danger?
The Galapagos Islands, which have been called a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution” were inscribed on the Danger List in 2007 because of threats posed by invasive species, unbridled tourism and overfishing.
When was the Galapagos designated a marine reserve?
The islands are surrounded by the Galapagos Marine Reserve which was created in 1986 (70,000 km2) and extended to its current area (133,000 km2) in 1998, making it one of the largest marine reserves in the world.
Is Galapagos protected?
More than 233 islands, islets and rocks, born from volcanoes, make up the Galapagos archipelago. This beautiful archipelago, considered the capital of biodiversity and conservation, is made up of two protected areas: the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve. …
Who created the Galapagos National Park?
It was created under Executive Decree N-17, of July 4, 1959, to commemorate the first centenary of the publication of the book “The Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin, who inspired his famous theory of evolution by natural selection based on observations made during his stays in these Ecuadorian islands.
Why do tourists visit the Galapagos Islands?
What attracts tourists to Galapagos and where do they come from? Many visitors to the Galapagos Islands are attracted to the archipelago by its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. An increasing number of tourists are learning to scuba dive in the pristine tropical waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Who discovered the Galápagos Island?
Fray Tomás de Berlanga
In 1535, the Islands were officially discovered by Fray Tomás de Berlanga (the Bishop of Panama at the time). He was ordered to sail to Peru by Charles V to provide a report on activities there. He set sail from Panama on 23 February 1535. The strong ocean current carried him out to the Galapagos Islands.
What is the only marine lizard?
Marine iguanas are endemic to the Galapagos Islands and are the only marine lizard species in the world.
Can I visit the Galapagos Islands?
Visitor Sites and Guides. Ninety-five percent of the land area of Galapagos is designated as protected by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), and tourists are permitted to explore specific visitor sites only with Park-certified naturalist guides (refer to the Park rules).
How big is Galapagos Marine Reserve?
around 133,000 km2
The Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR) lies a thousand kilometres from the Ecuadorian mainland and covers an area of around 133,000 km2 (51,000 sq mi). The Galápagos Islands and the surrounding waters represent one of the world’s most unusual ecosystems and are rich areas of biodiversity.
What are fun things to do in Galapagos Islands?
Some of the best spots for snorkeling activities in the archipelago of Galapagos are Seymour, Bartolome and Santa Fe islands. Beginners and experienced snorkelers will enjoy many opportunities to observe beautiful colored fish species, sea turtles, and harmless sharks while sharing the water with playful sea lions.
Is a Galapagos penguin a mammal?
The Galapagos penguin is a carnivorous animal, that like all other penguin species, survives on a diet that is only comprised of marine animals. Krill and small crustaceans make up the bulk of the Galapagos penguin’s diet along with larger organisms including squid and various species of fish.
What is a Galapagos penguin?
The Galapagos penguin is the rarest species of penguins, a status that is often falsely attributed to the yellow-eyed penguin. The population of these creatures fluctuates prominently under the influence of El Niño on such intensity that, the future survival of the species is endangered.