Sierra Negra Volcano at Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Today has been a formidable day for our hike to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, which was by the way, very rewarding. After the last eruption on October 2005, some areas of the forest were burnt by the debris expelled from the fountain. It is still possible to see the consequences of those fires; thousands of the endemic lunged terrestrial snails are bleaching under the scorching sun. However, while walking on the path, we discovered that there were many of such snails living on the outer slope of the volcano. With the rainy season the snails are prosperous again. That’s good news! A few steps later, we all experienced the presence of Isopods (commonly known as “potato bugs”). These are terrestrial crustaceans that only arise when the conditions are favorable, and for the last three years, these little creatures have not emerged. That was a real surprise!
It was fascinating to find the succession after the fire. On top of the burned Common Guava trees, some grasses and herbs are now growing. The view of the caldera was exceptional; however, upon our return, the mist began to overtake the landscape.
In the afternoon, we admired the beauty of the new born tortoises, and we learnt a great deal about how successful is the protection project of the Galápagos giant tortoises. After our visit to the rearing center, we had a great time in town sharing our time with the locals.
Galápagos is certainly paradise!
Today has been a formidable day for our hike to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, which was by the way, very rewarding. After the last eruption on October 2005, some areas of the forest were burnt by the debris expelled from the fountain. It is still possible to see the consequences of those fires; thousands of the endemic lunged terrestrial snails are bleaching under the scorching sun. However, while walking on the path, we discovered that there were many of such snails living on the outer slope of the volcano. With the rainy season the snails are prosperous again. That’s good news! A few steps later, we all experienced the presence of Isopods (commonly known as “potato bugs”). These are terrestrial crustaceans that only arise when the conditions are favorable, and for the last three years, these little creatures have not emerged. That was a real surprise!
It was fascinating to find the succession after the fire. On top of the burned Common Guava trees, some grasses and herbs are now growing. The view of the caldera was exceptional; however, upon our return, the mist began to overtake the landscape.
In the afternoon, we admired the beauty of the new born tortoises, and we learnt a great deal about how successful is the protection project of the Galápagos giant tortoises. After our visit to the rearing center, we had a great time in town sharing our time with the locals.
Galápagos is certainly paradise!
