| Galapagos | 3 Aug 2008 12:00 AM |
| Galapagos Natural History Tour by Administrator | Comment (0) |
Galapagos Overview1
The Galapagos Islands and Marine Reserve contain a unique combination of land and oceanic ecosystems, with many distinct habitats and communities to be found in each. The Galapagos are situated at the point where major ocean currents meet, and the islands straddle the junctions between several shifting tectonic plates. These circumstances combine to make an area that truly is like no other place on earth.
Galapagos is one of the best-conserved tropical oceanic archipelagos in the world. Species that have adapted successfully to a barren and inhospitable landscape often occupy a unique niche in that ecosystem, and have little competition for food, water and space. The introduction of a new species into such simple ecosystems can have rapid and far-reaching effects.
The Galapagos Islands are situated on the equator and about 1000 km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Galapagos is comprised of 14 major islands, more than 120 smaller islets and rocks, and the surrounding ocean. The total land mass is almost 8,000 sq. km and the Galapagos Marine Reserve surrounding the archipelago is 138,000 sq. km. The present islands are all younger than 4 million years and were formed separately from other land masses as a result of volcanic eruptions.
Humans — both residents and tourists — have become part of the Galapagos ecosystem, as have many species of plant and animal that have been introduced by humans to the islands. One of the challenges Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) faces, as do all those involved in protecting and conserving Galapagos, is how best to integrate the needs of the human population whilst limiting our impact on this unique part of the world. Environmental, economic and social sustainability cannot be separated.
In 1959, the Ecuadorian government set aside 1,714,000 acres (693,700 ha), 90% of the Galapagos Islands as a National Park. All the lands not already included in the settlement areas were designated and incorporated into the park. In 1967 a park service was set up in the islands and 5 years later the first park superintendent arrived.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most magical places on earth. Here animals live without fear and do not run away from visitors. To maintain the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands the National Park Service has developed rules to aid in the preservation. Your naturalist-guide will explain and enforce these rules making sure that all visitors stay together on marked paths and respect and follow the other park service regulations.
1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit National Park areas unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.
1 Taken from www.darwinfoundation.org/ and www.galapagosonline.com/nathistory/nationalpark/nationalpark.htm
Galapagos Travel Log
Day 1 - 6/6/08
We had a late evening introductory welcome meeting led by our Fundación Jatun Sacha travel guides, Christopher James and Carina Holguín, before bed at the Hotel Alston in Quito. The travel group consists of: me, twelve high school students, age 15-17 and their two teacher chaperones from a pre-collegiate private high school in Norfolk, Virginia.
The Galapagos Islands and Marine Reserve contain a unique combination of land and oceanic ecosystems, with many distinct habitats and communities to be found in each. The Galapagos are situated at the point where major ocean currents meet, and the islands straddle the junctions between several shifting tectonic plates. These circumstances combine to make an area that truly is like no other place on earth.
Galapagos is one of the best-conserved tropical oceanic archipelagos in the world. Species that have adapted successfully to a barren and inhospitable landscape often occupy a unique niche in that ecosystem, and have little competition for food, water and space. The introduction of a new species into such simple ecosystems can have rapid and far-reaching effects.
The Galapagos Islands are situated on the equator and about 1000 km off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Galapagos is comprised of 14 major islands, more than 120 smaller islets and rocks, and the surrounding ocean. The total land mass is almost 8,000 sq. km and the Galapagos Marine Reserve surrounding the archipelago is 138,000 sq. km. The present islands are all younger than 4 million years and were formed separately from other land masses as a result of volcanic eruptions.
Humans — both residents and tourists — have become part of the Galapagos ecosystem, as have many species of plant and animal that have been introduced by humans to the islands. One of the challenges Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) faces, as do all those involved in protecting and conserving Galapagos, is how best to integrate the needs of the human population whilst limiting our impact on this unique part of the world. Environmental, economic and social sustainability cannot be separated.
In 1959, the Ecuadorian government set aside 1,714,000 acres (693,700 ha), 90% of the Galapagos Islands as a National Park. All the lands not already included in the settlement areas were designated and incorporated into the park. In 1967 a park service was set up in the islands and 5 years later the first park superintendent arrived.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most magical places on earth. Here animals live without fear and do not run away from visitors. To maintain the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands the National Park Service has developed rules to aid in the preservation. Your naturalist-guide will explain and enforce these rules making sure that all visitors stay together on marked paths and respect and follow the other park service regulations.
1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit National Park areas unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.
1 Taken from www.darwinfoundation.org/ and www.galapagosonline.com/nathistory/nationalpark/nationalpark.htm
Galapagos Travel Log
Day 1 - 6/6/08
We had a late evening introductory welcome meeting led by our Fundación Jatun Sacha travel guides, Christopher James and Carina Holguín, before bed at the Hotel Alston in Quito. The travel group consists of: me, twelve high school students, age 15-17 and their two teacher chaperones from a pre-collegiate private high school in Norfolk, Virginia.
