Galapagos Islands Vegetation

Not only there are many species that are endemic to the Islands, all well adapted to a tropical but dry environment.

These plants are the living grounds for many (and more commonly seen examples of the Galapagos) sea-dependant species like boobies and frigatebirds.

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Of course, Galapagos Islands vegetation is key for the survival of all land-related species like Galapagos Finches Mockingbirds, Land Iguanas insects, Giant Tortoises etc.

Everything in Galapagos is related to each other's ecological niches, and that is a magical component of a Galapagos Expedition.

Naturalists in Galapagos from a very peculiar interpretative scenario, will adapt for visitors the most diverse and complex concepts, into understandable ideas that will make everyone realize the importance of the whole, and not only specific issues.

Approximately, "560 species" of Galapagos plants live in the Islands, from which about a third are endemic (unique) to the Islands.

Where else could you find giant prickly pear cactus? Where else could you find an endemic cherry-like tomato? Where else could you find a member of the daisy family that locally evolved into 17 different species (genus Scalesia)?

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Introduced species by man, are a perpetual threat for Galapagos Islands vegetation.

Thanks to the eradication efforts of the National Park, and the SICGAL control (quarantine program), the chances of introducing new species continue to decrease, but of course, the need for protection must remain constant.

The Galapagos Islands altitude (another feature many times misunderstood) are not atolls like in the Caribbean.

These Islands are Volcanic Origin where the highest point is near 1,800 meters (5,800 feet) above sea level, found at Volcan Wolf on Isabela Island.

Several of the Islands have similar heights, thus developing different Galapagos Islands vegetation zones, and making the islands' ecosystem more diverse.

The experience of visiting the highlands has no comparison to what the lowlands offer.

But of course, if most documentaries and magazines only deal with the lowlands' highlights, everyone assumes that the Islands must not be that high above sea level.

One of the most rewarding surprises for you will be the highlands of the Galapagos Islands.

Here, other wildlife features are to be seen, like finches (mostly tree finches, including the famous woodpecker finch), vermillion flycatchers, and the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the wild.

Technically, the highlands are a tropical cloud forest where relative humidity is greater that rainfall, and it is here where visitors can see the ever-green landscape of Galapagos.

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Galapagos Islands vegetation zones are divided in a very interesting way:

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Galapagos: A Natural History
This is an attractive and comprehensive guidebook. You will find an easy-to-use text which details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands. (This book is the "Bible" for all travelers to the Galapagos)

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