10 Strange Facts About the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands attract people from all around the world to come visit, due to their unique and untouched nature. The Islands’ isolation has enabled for animal species to evolve that are unique and many times even strange. Scientist are constantly discovering new secrets about this special part of the world. Below are 10 facts you may not know about the famous Islands.
1. The Carnivorous Centipede- The Scolopendra Galapagoensis can grow up to 12 inches and feeds on a variety of animals. It is known to be very aggressive and nervous. Their Sharp claws, called forcipules, and its deadly venom are what make this species such a great hunter. But don’t worry, they are not deadly to humans.
2. The Elderly Tortoise- The Galapagos Tortoise can weigh more than 500 pounds and live up to 150 years in the wild. The oldest known tortoise in captivity lived to the amazing age of 170 years. So, when in the Galapagos remember to treat the tortoise’s with respect, because they may just happen to be older and wiser than yourself.
3. The Diving Iguanas — When Darwin first arrived in the Galapagos he was amazed at the marine iguanas ability to swim, because they were and still are the only known species of iguana that swim. They can dive up to 30 feet underwater. Anyone feel like swimming with iguanas?
4. Galapabucks Coffee — One of the Galapagos Islands’ biggest exports is coffee beans. Dating back to the 1860’s, the Island’s first inhabitants grew and sold their coffee abroad. One of their biggest buyers is U.S. coffee giants.
5. Giddy-up Tortoise! — After exploring the Islands on the H.M.S. Beagle, in 1831, Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution that made him world famous. A little known fact that was kept from the history books, was his unprofessional attempts at trying to ride the tortoises like a horse. He documented in his journal that his attempts failed as the tortoises “retreated into their shells.”
6. Are we there yet? — Frigate birds are not able to lift off of water, so they may spend weeks on end in flight, until they can find a cliff or high area to land. I wonder which was the first Frigate bird to make the mistake of landing in water?
7. The Flightless Cormorants — Cormorants are a family of aquatic birds that can be found around the world. In most places they can fly, but not in the Galapagos. The Islands are the only place on Earth where, through evolution, the species grew too large to fly. This just raises the question, what are the wings for then?
8. A Pirate Hideout — Some of the first known human inhabitants of the Islands were pirates. After robbing from Spanish trade routes, the crews could easily hide away on the Islands unique landscape. Food was in abundance and loot could easily be hidden. Remember to alert local authorities if you stumble upon any hidden treasure!
9. Home In the Galapagos — The Galapagos is 95% National Park. The rest of the Islands are made up of small towns and communities that total around 25, 000 people. The capital city is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, with a population of around 7, 000 people. The main industry for locals has always been fishing, but the rise in the Island’s tourism industry has begun to take precedence. But, don’t think about moving to the Galapagos anytime soon. The immigration process is very strict and those living there must maintain regular stay.
10. The Sinking Islands – The Islands sit atop the Galapagos hotspot, where volcanoes are formed. Mantle plume below the Earth’s surface is melting the crust and causing some of the oldest Islands to slowly sink back into the sea. But don’t worry, the process could take a few million years, so there is plenty of time to visit before the Islands disappear.
Interested yet? Maybe its time to take a trip to the Galapagos with Andean Discovery!
