Scientists say they could bring an extinct species of Galapagos tortoise back to life after discovering genetic traces of them in their descendants. Boffins say cross-breeding the relatives of the Geochelone elephantopus could re-create the extinct species - though it could take a century. But 98 of those years would be taken up by the tortoise walking to the lab. The animal is one of 15 species of giant tortoise which played a part in Charles Darwin formulating his theory of evolution - of... Read Full Story
TORTUGA BAY - THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS -Tortuga Bay is very well known among tourists, a beautiful beach of fine white sand surrounded by a mysterious forest, volcanic rocks and the view is overwhelming. Finches, yellow warblers, mockingbirds, lava lizards…will take you to the time when the adventurers and pirates of the XVII and XIX century visited these enchanted islands.Once you reach Tortuga Bay, you walk into what seems an infinite and desolate beach of white sand encountering marine... Read Full Story
When today's Countries of the World Template Series freebie was requested I said to myself, "Ecuador? Why in the heck would anyone want a template of that?" Not that there is anything WRONG with Ecuador at all. (No hate email please.) Then as I looked up the country I saw that Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands. So you see I am learning (or re-learning as the case may be) a lot of things about a lot of places I either never knew or had totally forgotten. I hope you guys are learning... Read Full Story
I found this section of a blog write-up helpful...
Linked from http://www.globenotes.com/Diary.aspx?usr=834&log;=648
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was my favourite day on the Galapagos for sure. Crabs, iguanas, and a
large colony of blue-footed boobies nested on a spectacular cliff face
could be seen up close on our morning walk. We saw nature taking its
course on a poor abandoned sea lion and a boobie that was being pecked
to death.
Snorkelling later in the day involved not only tutle and fish but this
time... Read Full Story
In light of the recent annoucement by the Ecuadorian President about the perilous State of the Galapagos. I has always been concerned about conservation of these isles, and my company have over the last 10 years of operating here seen increasing demand for the islands as a holiday destination. The Galapagos islands are surprisingly well regulated as a World Heritage site, with reasonable controls on boats, visitors and their itineraries etc. Where there is less control and more issues is... Read Full Story