Espanola Island
The easternmost island of the group and also the oldest, Espanola with 3.8 million years, is an island that has a high percentage of endemism. Different species like the marine iguanas, the mockingbirds, and the lava lizards have isolated their genetic pool here and have become unique to this specific ecosystem.
Located south, this island gets a strong influence of the Humboldt or Peruvian current. Being cold, this is a very rich-in-nutrients flow that will be responsible for the island’s wildlife diversity. Sea and land birds, reptiles, different species of vegetation and insects have found a rich habitat in which they can coexist without having to compete. As we learned here on the first day, most animal species in the Galápagos are specialists when it comes to food supply and feeding behaviors. The lack of competition is one of the reasons why they can live together happily ever after.
The waved albatross is considered endemic to this particular place. However, as we approach the cliffs we can see that some of the individuals that were born this year are getting closer to it, they are thinking about taking the step and jumping into the open air and seas. Most of the adults have already abandoned the island for the season.
Snorkeling was interesting today, too. The marine life of the Galápagos is a mix. The different ocean currents are responsible for bringing species from up north, down south and also the indo-pacific region and so we find tropical fishes that are bright in color, silver colored species and some unique to these waters like the Moorish idols.
Sea lions at the beach were extremely interesting. Having the chance to walk along this white sandy beach that is the home of the mammals, them being able to share their home with us, made us think about how humans can also become part of this perfectly balanced ecosystem.
