Santa Cruz Island
Only the second full day of our expedition and we are getting ready to see the most emblematic animals of the Galápagos, the Giant tortoises.
It was after breakfast when we headed to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). The programs developed to preserve these giant reptiles have assure their survival, despite the fact that for centuries they were the main species preyed upon and affected by humans and introduced animals.
The ecology of the islands supports a rich and varied ecosystem; therefore the tortoises had spread pretty much in every single island that could support their massive body size.
The natural selection of the species had of course work its way in these islands, eliminating entire populations in the blink of an eye.
The afternoon was entirely used for the exploration of the natural habitat of this giant gentle. The muddy ponds and the base of huge threes were the favorite spot for them to relax and to avoid the intense hit, that even in the highlands, is felt. We came back on board after a full day of activities, knowing that the giant tortoises are no longer a myth, but a real animal that inhabits this incredible archipelago.
Only the second full day of our expedition and we are getting ready to see the most emblematic animals of the Galápagos, the Giant tortoises.
It was after breakfast when we headed to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). The programs developed to preserve these giant reptiles have assure their survival, despite the fact that for centuries they were the main species preyed upon and affected by humans and introduced animals.
The ecology of the islands supports a rich and varied ecosystem; therefore the tortoises had spread pretty much in every single island that could support their massive body size.
The natural selection of the species had of course work its way in these islands, eliminating entire populations in the blink of an eye.
The afternoon was entirely used for the exploration of the natural habitat of this giant gentle. The muddy ponds and the base of huge threes were the favorite spot for them to relax and to avoid the intense hit, that even in the highlands, is felt. We came back on board after a full day of activities, knowing that the giant tortoises are no longer a myth, but a real animal that inhabits this incredible archipelago.
