Galapagos: Exploring the Enchanted

Islands

Presented at the USC Aiken International Series March 15, 2001

Dr. Edward J. Callen

Ecuador

QuitoFlight to Galapagos via GuayaquilArrive on Baltra Island

US Air Force base in WWII

Ecuador

QuitoFlight to Galapagos via GuayaquilArrive on Baltra Island

US Air Force base in WWII

The following slides present some photos of Quito and Baltra

Brief History of Galapagos

Discovered by Bishop of Panama in 1535, in Humboldt Current driftPirates and Bucaneers 1600’s 1700’sWhalers and sealers in 1800sAnnexed by Ecuador in 1832Charles Darwin 1835 – The Origin of the SpeciesWilliam Beebe 1924 – Galapagos: World’s End

1900’s – Banished convicts

Galapagos Facts Volcanic origin97% not accessible to publicVisitors must be accompanied by licensed guideEndemic species found only in Galapagos

Land-based animals – 80% endemicPlants – 30% endemicFish – 20% endemic

Lack of natural predators

Espanola (Hood) IslandPunta Suarez

Marine IguanasSea lionsMockingbirdLava lizardsDarwin’s finchesBlue footed boobiesMasked boobiesWaved AlbatrossBlow hole

Click here to see some photos of Espanola