Fernandina Island is an active volcano that stands alone on western periphery of the Galapagos Archipelago and is reputed to be the largest pristine island on Earth. Since 1906, evidence has accrued that a mysterious species of giant tortoise might exist on the island. A single specimen of a species named Chelonoidis phantasticus (the fantastic […]
Tag: galapagos
Septuagenarian giant Galapagos tortoise successfully mates with three younger females to produce offspring
DIRK, a 70-year-old Galapagos tortoise, has given birth to the first tortoise born in the United Kingdom. The sassy old-timer, named after well-endowed porn actor Dirk Diggler from the film Boogie Nights, mated with lover Charlie, who is 49 years his junior. He has also approached Zuzu and Isabella, the other two girls in his […]
Lemurs and giant tortoises among species at risk if global heating hits 3C
Unique island species including lemurs and the Galapagos giant tortoise could be at high risk of extinction if the planet warms by more than 3C above pre-industrial levels, new research warns. Analysis of 270 biodiversity hotspots suggests almost half of endemic marine species and 84% of endemic mountain species will face extinction if the planet […]
Saving Darwin’s finches from blood-sucking parasites
In two small areas of mangrove forest on the west side of Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands, the 80 or so remaining members of one of the world’s most endangered bird species are in serious trouble. Philornis downsi, a parasitic fly brought to the archipelago by humans, lays its eggs in the nests […]
Darwin’s finches deploy pesticides to combat blood-sucking maggots
Several species of Galapagos finch are in serious danger from a deadly nest parasite. But there may be a simple and ingenious solution, according to new research This article was written by Henry Nicholls for The Guardian.
Blue-Footed Booby Threatened in the Galápagos
A cartoonish character in the avian world, the blue-footed booby is known for its vivid webbed feet and its high-stepping mating dance. But the birds have mostly ceased their hypnotic moves on the breeding grounds of the Galápagos Islands, causing an alarming drop in their numbers. Fewer blue-footed booby pairs are having chicks on the […]
Scientists identify 137 protected areas most important for preserving biodiversity
Want to save the world’s biodiversity from mass extinction? Then make certain to safeguard the 74 sites identified today in a new study in Science. Evaluating 173,000 terrestrial protected areas, scientists pulled out the most important ones for global biodiversity based on the number of threatened mammals, birds, and amphibians found in the parks. In […]
Galápagos finches that inspired Darwin under threat from parasitical flies
The Galápagos finches are part of the history of science. Darwin collected them during the round-the-world voyage of HMS Beagle and their study helped the naturalist conceive the theory of evolution. Although all the birds belonged to a single group, the 14 species were spread across different islands in the archipelago. Darwin developed the idea […]