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
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