Galapagos Tours & Travel

Galapagos Reptiles

The Galapagos Islands' land animals are dominated by reptiles, while most of the world finds mammals the predominate species. Unlike mammals, reptiles are able to survive long periods without water, equipping them with the ability to make the epic 620 mile-long journey to the volcanic islands from the mainland. Giant tortoises, iguanas, snakes and lizards - visitors to the islands will have plenty of opportunities to discover these unique creatures. Even the islands were named after one of their famous reptile species, the gian tortoise. Today, the giant tortoise has become somewhat of a mascot for the islands. A trip to the Galapagos Islands offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. The following table simply offers a sample of the reptiles found on the Islands.

Key to species' class:

• Endemic = Found only in the Galapagos Islands
• Endemic Sub-species = Species exists in other parts of the world, but no interbreeding with the Galapagos population. The Galapagos population may evolve into a distinct species.
• Resident = Found on the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere in the world. Breeds on the islands and elsewhere. Arrived in the Islands naturally.
• Visitor = Does not breed in the Galapagos. Is seen on a regular basis in the Islands.

Reptiles