Santa Cruz
We spent the day on Santa Cruz Island, where we were exposed to a combination of conservation, civilization and nature. During the first morning hours we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Here we learned about the different conservation programs which have been functioning since the mid 60’s. These programs are possible and successful due to the combined efforts of the Galapagos National Park Service and the Research Station. The “little giant” tortoises are reared in captivity and later released back into the wild to the island where they belong. On islands were there are no introduced animals, such as Española Island, the tortoises are released when they are 2-3 years old. On the other hand, for islands that still have alien species, like Pinzón, the young ones are repatriated when they are 8-9 years old. At this age their carapaces are no longer vulnerable to the attacks of rats or other predators.
After our visit to CDRS, we spent some time supporting the local economy. We had a pleasant stroll along Charles Darwin Avenue and went shopping. The people in Puerto Ayora are extremely friendly. There are about 10,000 inhabitants that make their living from tourism, fishing and agriculture. Vegetable and fruits are cultivated in the Highlands for local consumption. Cattle and coffee are raised and “exported” to the mainland.
At 900 feet above the sea level, we had a delicious lunch at Altair restaurant. At this altitude it was cooler and very green. Following lunch we boarded the buses for a trip to the impressive geological formations known as Los Gemelos. These are twins pit craters surrounded by a forest of endemic Scalesia, We found several species of finches, and later giant tortoises and a colorful vermillion flycatcher. Another great day!
We spent the day on Santa Cruz Island, where we were exposed to a combination of conservation, civilization and nature. During the first morning hours we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Here we learned about the different conservation programs which have been functioning since the mid 60’s. These programs are possible and successful due to the combined efforts of the Galapagos National Park Service and the Research Station. The “little giant” tortoises are reared in captivity and later released back into the wild to the island where they belong. On islands were there are no introduced animals, such as Española Island, the tortoises are released when they are 2-3 years old. On the other hand, for islands that still have alien species, like Pinzón, the young ones are repatriated when they are 8-9 years old. At this age their carapaces are no longer vulnerable to the attacks of rats or other predators.
After our visit to CDRS, we spent some time supporting the local economy. We had a pleasant stroll along Charles Darwin Avenue and went shopping. The people in Puerto Ayora are extremely friendly. There are about 10,000 inhabitants that make their living from tourism, fishing and agriculture. Vegetable and fruits are cultivated in the Highlands for local consumption. Cattle and coffee are raised and “exported” to the mainland.
At 900 feet above the sea level, we had a delicious lunch at Altair restaurant. At this altitude it was cooler and very green. Following lunch we boarded the buses for a trip to the impressive geological formations known as Los Gemelos. These are twins pit craters surrounded by a forest of endemic Scalesia, We found several species of finches, and later giant tortoises and a colorful vermillion flycatcher. Another great day!
