Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Ayora is among the most charming, not so little anymore, towns in the Galápagos. Today, the harbor near town has been very busy, mainly because one of the four cargo ships that come to the islands was unloading a lot of food supply at the main dock and everyone was literally there. One of the most “eye catching” things happening in town lately would be that the trees along the main road are starting to bloom, and the contrast in color gives a very especial touch to the village.
This is also the big giant tortoises’ day. We saw these giant reptiles at the Charles Darwin Research Station and at their natural habitat. It was great to sit down and observe them for as much as we want and realize that the population is pretty safe, at least in this island. The highlands of Santa Cruz, where we spent the most of our afternoon’s time, are very green and lush. This is due the amount of moisture brought by the prevailing winds that come from the south. Technically, this is the reason why we can find giant tortoises migrating up and down looking for food.
Beside the tortoises we saw another endemic species of reptile: the land iguanas. These reptiles are also in danger of extinction due to the presence of feral animals such as cats and dogs, which most unfortunately, are the responsible in the diminishing of their population by preying on the baby iguanas.
Puerto Ayora is among the most charming, not so little anymore, towns in the Galápagos. Today, the harbor near town has been very busy, mainly because one of the four cargo ships that come to the islands was unloading a lot of food supply at the main dock and everyone was literally there. One of the most “eye catching” things happening in town lately would be that the trees along the main road are starting to bloom, and the contrast in color gives a very especial touch to the village.
This is also the big giant tortoises’ day. We saw these giant reptiles at the Charles Darwin Research Station and at their natural habitat. It was great to sit down and observe them for as much as we want and realize that the population is pretty safe, at least in this island. The highlands of Santa Cruz, where we spent the most of our afternoon’s time, are very green and lush. This is due the amount of moisture brought by the prevailing winds that come from the south. Technically, this is the reason why we can find giant tortoises migrating up and down looking for food.
Beside the tortoises we saw another endemic species of reptile: the land iguanas. These reptiles are also in danger of extinction due to the presence of feral animals such as cats and dogs, which most unfortunately, are the responsible in the diminishing of their population by preying on the baby iguanas.
