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Sign	Map Picture Source: CIA

The Galapagos Islands are located in Western South America. They border the Pacific Ocean and are between Colombia and Peru. If one was to compare their size to a state in the U.S., you would have to say they all the islands combined are slightly smaller than Nevada. The islands are home to some of the most unique animal life and are very beautiful. The elevation ranges from 0 feet to over 20,600 feet above sea level.

Giant Turtles

The first Geologist to explore the Galapagos was Charles Darwin. Of course everyone knows he made careful observations on the biology there also and some say these observations are what led to his later theory of Natural Selection. The Galapagos are truly fascinating and there is animal life on the islands that are found no where else on earth. The wildlife is protected and people must be accompanied by a licensed National Park Service guide if they want to walk among the animals.

Iguanas

The islands themselves consist of 13 major and 6 minor islands. There are also 40 rock formations and reefs. Most of the land area is national parks. So far there have been 58 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 6 species of mammals and 307 species of fish found that are native only to these islands. This doesn't mean that all these animals are unique, what it does mean that it might include a known type of animal such as a penguin variant. But having said this, some of these creatures are unique. An example of this is a lizard that swims in the ocean, it is the only know one in the world to do this. There is much disagreement on the numbers of species of different animals. For example you will find that some people say there are only 48 species of birds. I tried to go with the most popular numbers.

Bird Life

I think we have all seen photographs of those Giant Tortoises that roam these islands. These gentle animals are an endangered species today. It is a shame that such a creature that harms no one would be hunted almost to extinction. The famous Galapagos Penguin is one of the smallest Penguins in the world and is the only Penguin to live North of the Equator. Cold currents enable it to live on the Galapagos There are a lot of Iguanas on the islands. There are two basic types, the land Iguana and the marine Iguana. The world's only flightless Cormorant lives here also. It doesn't fly anymore but boy can it swim. If you want to see an Albatross this would be the place.

Sea Lions

A lot of the animals on the islands show no fear of man and it is possible to lay down next to the Sea Lions or walk up to an Iguana. The colors of some of the animals make them look surreal.

Brightly Colored Creatures

The fauna on the island is also something to behold.

Strange Trees

As we get ready to depart lets take a quick look at the island themselves.

Island Scenes

As you can see the Galapagos Islands are a very interesting place and you have to think that they would make a wonderful vacation.