Española Island
What Española Island reveals to us, is beautiful in terms of geology and brilliance in terms of nature. This island is like an introductory text to the natural history of the Galapagos Archipelago. Today’s visit was spectacular. We observed all kinds of wildlife, both under and above the water. In addition, we witnessed a special event today. During our morning walk we saw a couple different types of reptiles, notably the marine iguanas and lava lizards. But I have to mention that this is the first time that I have ever seen a lava lizard eating a Galapagos dove’s leg!
These lizards are known to be omnivorous predators and feed primarily on moths, flies, beetles, grasshoppers, ants and even scorpions. During the cool, dry season their diet is changed and flowers are added to the list of foods they eat. The lava lizards can also survive the harsh climate and conditions in Galapagos by becoming cannibals and eating other lava lizards. They sometimes also eat the remains of dead animals, like the one that we saw today was doing. It is fascinating to note this and other unusual behaviors which are examples of the successful adaptation to difficult conditions and are typical of the inhabitants of this archipelago.
What Española Island reveals to us, is beautiful in terms of geology and brilliance in terms of nature. This island is like an introductory text to the natural history of the Galapagos Archipelago. Today’s visit was spectacular. We observed all kinds of wildlife, both under and above the water. In addition, we witnessed a special event today. During our morning walk we saw a couple different types of reptiles, notably the marine iguanas and lava lizards. But I have to mention that this is the first time that I have ever seen a lava lizard eating a Galapagos dove’s leg!
These lizards are known to be omnivorous predators and feed primarily on moths, flies, beetles, grasshoppers, ants and even scorpions. During the cool, dry season their diet is changed and flowers are added to the list of foods they eat. The lava lizards can also survive the harsh climate and conditions in Galapagos by becoming cannibals and eating other lava lizards. They sometimes also eat the remains of dead animals, like the one that we saw today was doing. It is fascinating to note this and other unusual behaviors which are examples of the successful adaptation to difficult conditions and are typical of the inhabitants of this archipelago.
