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Most of the time, the Amazonian royal flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus coronatus) looks like an ordinary bird. But during courtship rituals and while competing with other males, this little bird shows a fantastic feather display on the crown of its head--a brilliant array of red, yellow, white, blue, and/or black.

This spectacular image of an Amazonian royal flycatcher with its royal red crest was taken in Guyana by Andrew Snyder for National Geographic's Your Shot.

This species is found in forests and woodlands throughout most of the Amazon basin in northern Bolivia, eastern Peru, eastern Ecuador, eastern Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas, and northern and western Brazil.

This entry was posted on March 7, 2014 at 3:57 PM and has received 1345 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

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Yesterday, the world celebrated the first ever World Wildlife Day! The United Nations established this day to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that environmental conservation provides to people and the planet. At the same time, the UN aims to remind us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Wildlife is a key part of the tourism industry, and sustainable tourism actually helps to conserve ecosystems that are important to many species of flora and fauna. To honor this day, we want to share with you some of our favorite wildlife photos from the sustainable business listed on our website:

Skillful monkeys

These spider monkeys owe their name to their ability to move from tree to tree with a speed and agility that makes you imagine they have eight limbs rather than four. Unfortunately, they have become Central America's most threatened primate-especially the Nicaraguan subspecies, which is critically endangered.

The cutest sloths

Isn't this mama sloth and her baby the most adorable pair ever? There are six known species of sloths living in South America, and one of them is critically endangered - the pygmy three-toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus), found only on a tiny five square kilometer island off the coast of Panama.

Strike a pose!

This is a little Legler's stream frog (Hyla legleri), found in Costa Rica and Panama. This species is threatened by habitat loss, which is an sadly common occurence. Amphibians (frogs and toads, newts, caecilians, and salamanders) are the most endangered group of animals on the planet: nearly 1/3 of the world's species are on the brink of extinction.

Hungry hummingbird

Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds don't suck up nectar through their beaks like a straw--they lap it up with their long, pointy tongues! The Hummingbird Society lists 28 species as endangered due to habitat destruction and loss.

Up close with a gray whale

Hundreds of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) arrive every year to Baja California, Mexico, to court, mate, and reproduce. Of the original three gray whale populations, one is extinct in the North Atlantic, one is critically endangered in the Western North Pacific, and one has recovered from very low levels in the Eastern North Pacific and was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1994.

A stunning scarlet macaw

The scarlet macaws (Ara macao) were adored by the Mayas and the Aztecs. This species of macaw is not currently endangered, but their populations have declined in many countries due to the loss of habitat from deforestation and indiscriminate hunting for the illegal pet trade.

The great Galapagos tortoise

The Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra), native to seven of the famous Galapagos Islands, is the largest living specie of tortoise. There are 15 recognized subspecies of Galapagos tortoises, but only 11 are still alive today. Continued poaching and the presence of invasive animals such as rats, dogs, and goats represent the greatest threat to the survival of these majestic creatures.

This entry was posted on March 4, 2014 at 5:46 PM and has received 1410 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

The Sierra Norte, a range of mountains just north of Oaxaca, is one of the best conserved natural areas in Mexico. It is also one of the three richest zones in animal diversity in the country and one of the world's 17 most important areas for biodiversity. There you will find 50% of Mexico's plant species, the largest population its endemic terrestrial vertebrates, 63% of its bird species, more than 50% of its butterflies, and 40% of its mammals.

This area is incredibly beautiful, featuring a mosaic of different types of forests due to the varied climate and topography, including tropical evergreen forest, montane cloud forest, pine forest, oak forest, and pine-oak forest.

This photo shows the forests of the town of Cuajimoloyas, located at 10,500 feet above sea level. To learn more, visit Ecoturismo Cuajimoloyas, part of the Pueblos Mancomunados, a network of small communities developing initiatives for sustainable use of Oaxaca's montane forests.

This entry was posted on February 21, 2014 at 12:25 PM and has received 591 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Ecuador is in vogue. If you check newspapers, travel magazines and websites, travel blogs, and other media outlets, you will find that this country is among the most acclaimed of 2014. Why the surge in interest in this particular South American nation? We invite you to check out 5 reasons travelers have rediscovered their passion for this wonderful country:

1. Named the #1 green destination of the year

During the twentieth World Travel Awards, considered one of the most important global tourism recognitions, Ecuador was honored as the "2013 World Green Destination." The country is home to 33 natural reserves protected by the government as well as many biologically significant and extensive tropical forests. Tourism businesses and the government are working closely to promote sustainable practices and have managed to position the country as a sustainable tourism leader in the Americas -- a view that is now resonating worldwide.

2. Immense natural and cultural wealth

Ecuador is the world's most biodiverse country per square mile. It is home to more than 1,600 species of birds, 4,500 species of butterflies, 4,000 kinds of orchids, 345 species of reptiles, 358 amphibians, and 250 species of mammals, among others. Due to their irreplaceable natural value, the Sangay and Galapagos National Parks and the Galapagos Marine Reserve were declared UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites. The country is also home to 27 different ethnic groups, all of them owners of a priceless and unique cultural heritage. As trends in tourism begin to shift from cookie-cutter resort vacation to more authentic, meaningful experiences, Ecuador's rich natural and cultural resources have been a boon for its tourism industry.

3.The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 islands, which began to form more than 5 million years ago. These are famous for their scenic beauty and for harboring numerous and spectacular endemic species such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas. Famously, Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution based on research he conducted on the incredible wildlife found only on this Ecuadorian archipelago.

4. The new Latin American king of chocolate

Since eating is a huge part of the travel experience, why not visit the number one Latin American country in cocoa production? Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of cocoa used for fine chocolates. Travelers can sample some of the world's best chocolates when they traverse the renowned "Cocoa Route" in the cacao growing region between Duran and Yaguachi.

5. Variety for every kind of traveler

Ecuador hides impressive sites in the Amazon jungle as well as its mountains, and coastlines; it is home to the glorious Galapagos Islands and the famous city of Mitad del Mundo located on the equator, as well as a number of other brilliant cities worth discovering in their own right. An innovative and luxurious "Cruise Train" (Tren Crucero) makes the scenic journey between capital city Quito and the coastal city of Guayaquil, offering stunning views of the Andes.

Travel insiders are going wild over Ecuador--National Geographic includes the Cacao Trail in its list of the "Best trips for 2014", and the entire country was included in both the New York Times list of "52 places to go in 2014" , and CNN's list of "11 sites to visit in 2014." Of course, we want you to enjoy Ecuador in a way that supports and protects its natural and cultural heritage, so be sure to book with a sustainable hotel and/or tour operator!

This entry was posted on February 19, 2014 at 12:07 PM and has received 5169 views. There are currently 2 comments. Print this entry.

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Our Making a Difference winner this month is Yacutinga Lodge, a very special sustainable lodge in Argentina located in the middle of the jungle and very close to one of South America's most famous attractions -- Iguazu Falls. The hotel is part of a small group of lodging providers in the department of Misiones that recently achieved Rainforest Alliance verification for sustainable tourism. As the first business in Argentina to earn Rainforest Alliance verification, it is a pioneer in the field of sustainability nationwide.

Yacutinga Lodge's director Carlos Sandoval tells us more about why tourists love this hotel, its history, and its efforts to remain an ally of the environment.

Question: What makes Yacutinga Lodge's location so special?

Sandoval: Yacutinga Lodge is located in one of the last remnants of the Interior Atlantic Forest ecoregion, which used to be the second largest forest in Latin America up until the early 20th century. Today, the forest that's left remains an area of very high biodiversity, rich in endemic species, with nearly 500 species of birds and more than 700 species of butterflies. Our guests can explore the curiosities of this subtropical forest accompanied by professional ecologists and native Guarani guides in Yacutinga's private nature reserve.

In addition, we are close to the legendary Iguazu Falls, a main attraction for visitors to southern South America.

Q: Why did you decide to build a sustainable lodge instead of a traditional one?

Sandoval: Yacutinga Lodge was created to be the economic backbone of a larger environmental project in the region. It was made for lovers of nature and for the intelligent traveler who wants to interact responsibly with the environment.

Q: What are the importance and benefits of becoming Rainforest Alliance Verified^TM ?

Sandoval: Achieving Rainforest Alliance verification is a reflection of our commitment to continuous improvement. We are delighted to receive this distinction after working so hard since the lodge was opened years ago to support sustainability. We hope that the Rainforest Alliance verified seal will now help us attract responsible tourists and build a sustainable identity.

Q: What were the main challenges you had to overcome to build and now run a business that is friendly to the environment and the communities?

Sandoval: Throughout the history of this project, there was one undeniable challenge: building with local labor in a quasi-pristine environment of tangled, wet jungle, far from modern civilization. It took us two years of intensive but highly constructive and creative work. Everyone involved participated enthusiastically, sharing technical or empirical knowledge and showing great coordination to optimize costs and efforts in a difficult working environment that had no drinking water, electricity, or roads. We consider ourselves late 20th century pioneers.

After inaugurating Yacutinga, the second great challenge began: constantly improving the delivery of services to ensure guest satisfaction and to keep local staff trained. This chapter is still alive, and it is a never ending process.

Q: How has Yacutinga's private wildlife refuge helped protect the valuable ecosystem in which it's located?

Sandoval: The refuge, which we administer, has been essential in protecting the region's natural resources. This reserve is a stronghold for the conservation of the Paraná Forest. Many scientific studies funded by Yacutinga Lodge have been carried out that have high academic value and have provided important data for improving our management of the area. We've used this information to make the hotel a self-sustaining economic and conservation system.

More than 320 species of birds and 572 species of butterflies have been documented in the reserve, and we even discovered 70 species that were new to Argentina and one subspecies new to science! We have planted over 20,000 native trees in the reserve as part of the project for forestry enrichment that we have been developing for six years. We also have volunteer and environmental education programs that we consider the soul of the Yacutinga project.

Q: Do you do anything to benefit the Guarani indigenous people?

Sandoval: The neighboring Kagui Pora community is a Guarani settlement of about 45 families who have many immediate and structural needs. We are constantly supporting them, not with a "charitable" approach but rather by training them to adapt to the dynamic of today's world without losing their roots. Little by little, and with great respect, we invite them to be involved in our ecotourism activities and our DO project, which aims to recycle non-polluting wastes generated by the lodge and transform them into art.

Q: How can tourists get involved with your sustainability efforts?

Sandoval: We invite guests to actively participate during their stay and provide ideas and contacts to help them do so. We do not ask for help or donations; we encourage them to have a respectful and responsible attitude toward our ecosystem and the local communities.

Q: What are Yacutinga's plans for keeping current and making improvements in the realm of sustainability?

Sandoval: We believe that keeping current requires constant improvement and maintaining the love for what you do. Regarding project sustainability, we aim to get the authorities more actively engaged with our work, since the threats are coming from outside of our gates. We need a stronger stance from those who govern us, one that is characterized by a long-term vision for solving together the negative impacts generated by the exploitative culture that has traditionally prevailed in the area.

This entry was posted on December 3, 2013 at 4:49 PM and has received 1062 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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In the heart of the Brazilian Amazon is the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, an area that is rich in biodiversity and home to several small communities that depend on natural resources for a living. Pousada Garrido is the only hotel in the Tumbira region, and it is owned by a former logger and community leader named Roberto Mendonça.

Pousada Garrido has become a source of income for Mendonça as well as several other local families who offer tourism services to visitors. The inn also uses solar energy (as does the entire community), recycles, supports local artisans with reusable materials, and purchases foods from local producers. This year, Pousada Garrido earned Rainforest Alliance verification for sustainable tourism.

Tourists are drawn to Tumbira for the richness and exuberance of its forests, including the many bird species that abound there. Mendonça partnered with a local tour guide named Cleudilon, whose nickname is Passarinho, or "little bird" in Portuguese, because he can perfectly imitate 32 types of birds! (Scroll down to see an awesome video of Cleudilon calling to birds in the forest.) The two recently undertook a project to make the inn into a perfect site for bird watching. And you can help make it happen! Visit the community's crowdfunding page, to help them turn Tumbira into a community-based ecotourism center.

Paula Arantes of Garupa, the NGO helping Mendonça and Cleudilon raise money for the project, tells us more about the initiative.

Question: What is the plan for the money you hope to raise?

Paula Arantes: Roberto and Cleudilon want to turn their community into a birding and community tourism center. To get started, they intend to adapt the infrastructure of Pousada Garrido to sustainably accommodate more guests and provide what is needed for birding. They also want to publish a guide to the local birdlife as a reference for tourists and an educational resource for the children of the community.

Q: Why are Tumbira and Pousada Garrido such special places for bird watching?

Arantes: Though you can see birds everywhere in Amazon, Tumbira is special because its pathways make it easy to see many varieties of birds, and the area is easily accessible by land or by boat. Furthermore, Cleudilon's incredible talent for imitating birds and really enhances the birding experience.

Q: What do you need to carry out the project?

Arantes: Investments need to be made to expand the inn without negatively impacting the environment. More equipment is also needed for bird watching, and Cleudilon needs resources to develop the bird guide. The goal is to raise around US$8,800 (20,000 Brazilian reales) to help cover building materials, labor, the development of the guide, and more.

Q: What progress has been made so far?

Arantes: Thanks to the Rainforest Alliance verification process, we've identified the appropriate areas for making investments and improvements in a sustainable way.

Q: How does this project benefit the community?

Arantes: More tourists means more sustainable income for the residents! Supporting community-based tourism is one of the best ways for travelers to ensure that their vacation is sustainable.

Q: How can people help?

Arantes: On the project page on the Garupa website, you can find more details about the initiative and make an online donation to co-finance this effort. Donors receive tokens of appreciation, such as photographs, the bird guide, and even stays at the inn, depending on the amount contributed. Donating any amount, no matter how small, and sharing our project with your friends and family is the best way to make Roberto's dream a reality!

Watch this amazing video to see how Cleudilon imitates birds!

This entry was posted on November 25, 2013 at 5:13 PM and has received 2095 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Dominica is a small island (only 750 km2) but it has a tremendous and unspoiled natural wealth – in fact, it has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean"!

One of the most amazing places in Dominica is the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a luxuriant natural tropical forest and an UNESCO World Heritage Site centered on a 1,342-m-high volcano with the same name. The sights in the Morne Trois Pitons (which means "mountain of three peaks") include the Valley of Desolation, an area with about 50 fumaroles and hot springs; a flooded fumarole called the Boiling Lake; Titou Gorge ("little throat"), a small waterfall situated deep in a water-filled gorge; and Emerald Pool, located at the base of a 40 foot waterfall.

This is photo from Rosalie Bay Resort, a sustainable hotel that is located at the foothills of the Morne Trois Pitons.

This entry was posted on October 4, 2013 at 7:55 PM and has received 978 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Can one of the highest quality hotels in the world also be one of the most sustainable? The answer is yes. Pacuare Lodge, in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, is proof that hotels can offer world-class accommodations in the heart of the rainforest while being an excellent ally of local communities and the environment. For this reason, Pacuare Lodge was awarded our Making a Difference recognition this month.

Roberto Fernández, founder and general manager of Pacuare Lodge, tells us about the lodge's history and their ambitious efforts to become a global benchmark of sustainability.

Question: Where did you get the idea to create Pacuare Lodge?

Fernández: More than 25 years ago, tour companies were offering expeditions on the turbulent waters of the Pacuare River, but the trips were limited to one night of camping and two days on the river. The first time I rafted the river, I was so impressed by its scenic beauty and natural wealth that I decided to create the first rafting company that was purely Costa Rican, without any international corporate ownership.

Later came the idea of opening a high-quality lodge in this exceptional destination. We acquired a small property and embarked on the adventure of building in a place with challenging geographical conditions and no road access.

Q: What makes this area so special and unique?

Fernández: The Pacuare River and its surroundings represent one of the most valuable and beautiful ecosystems in the country! The river forms the northern boundary of Central America's largest cluster of protected areas, national parks, and indigenous and private reserves, and it is considered one of the top 10 rivers for rafting in the world.

Q: Pacuare Lodge has been featured in dozens of international publications and was named by National Geographic as one of the 25 best lodges in the world. What can tourists expect when they stay in one of the world's best lodges?

Fernández: They can expect a truly unique travel experience! To reach Pacuare Lodge, visitors must raft down a wild river of incomparable natural beauty winding through a stunning tropical rainforest. When they arrive, they will find a lodge built with care and attention to detail that is simple yet sophisticated and run by a team renowned for its authenticity, warmth, and passion. Our mission is to provide the best in everything we do.

Q: Can you name three of the top experiences for tourists at Pacuare Lodge?

Fernández:: First is the journey there: venturing down one of the world's most scenic rivers by raft to reach Pacuare Lodge. Then, the stay at the lodge is an experience in itself. Our facilities are magnificently designed and decorated in the middle of a jungle that is beyond description.

Finally, do not miss having dinner in "the nest," a platform set 65 feet high in a kapok (ceiba) tree that offers wonderful views of the rainforest canopy. Your evening is completed with a meal that has been recognized for its quality and innovation.

Q: The UNWTO also named Pacuare Lodge as an example of sustainability in the world. What has your hotel done to earn this recognition?

Fernández: We strive to have a positive impact on the environment and on social and cultural issues. We began with a property of only 35 acres, and now we have 840 acres of forest that we are protecting. We support conservation projects like a jaguar monitoring program on our property.

Since our beginning, we've actively involved local communities so that our work would benefit them directly. Today, 100% of the lodge's workforce comes from the Nairi Awari indigenous reserve and the nearby communities of Santa Marta, Linda Vista, Turrialba, and Bajo del Tigre.

We are also very proud of our environmental education program in the schools of eight communities near the Pacuare River basin. Some 800 children have seen environmental education presentations given by our staff on topics such as ecosystem stewardship, proper use of water, and waste management. We've also established collection centers for waste management and disposal, a program for reforestation of native species, and projects for painting murals and maintaining infrastructure.

Q: How have these efforts influenced community development?

Fernández: The first person we hired was a resident of the nearby community of Bajo del Tigre, and he was the most well-known hunter in the area. We hoped that providing local employment opportunities in nature tourism and giving environmental presentations would promote a different attitude towards conservation in the community.

Well, our first employee went from being a poacher to a protector of the environment! He set an example that was crucial in getting other residents of the area to change some of their deeply rooted bad practices. Hunting in the area has dropped considerably because students take the message about caring for wildlife home to their parents.

Providing local employment has had other benefits: according to a socioeconomic survey of the community, 67% of the local population employed in the tourism industry works for Pacuare Lodge, where they earn fair wages, full social security benefits, and constant training. We also support small businesses in the community by purchasing food, candles, tours, , photography, and other tourist services.

Q: Many initiatives for conservation and sustainability – such as acquiring 840 acres of forest for protection – represent major investments. How do these investments benefit the hotel?

Fernández:: We don't think about how acquiring more land for conservation or developing programs for jaguars, howler monkeys, or environmental education will benefit us. Our aim with these investments is to return a little of what we receive to the community. We embrace this commitment with joy and enthusiasm. We are motivated because we can see how our contributions promote positive cultural changes.

Q: What is your number one recommendation to other hotels that are starting down the path to sustainability?

Fernández: Everything starts at home! Sustainability is a lifestyle; it is not a fad or a strategy for self-promotion, is something that you believe in and live, through specific actions. Those who decide to take this path must be convinced that sustainability is an essential part of life.

Q: How can guests get involved in your efforts for sustainability?

Fernández: They can donate digital cameras to the jaguar program, provide educational materials or sporting goods for local children, or make specific donations to nearby schools and community projects.

Q: What plans does the Pacuare Lodge have to remain one of the best and most sustainable hotels in the world?

Fernández: We will engage in continuous innovation, facilitate training for employees, and work closely with neighboring communities. We know that staying current and being better each day is a constant challenge that requires investing time and resources, but that's what excites us!

This entry was posted on September 4, 2013 at 7:58 PM and has received 1501 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

There are 5 destinations in Mexico that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding ecological importance and natural beauty. Incidentally, these sites represent some of the best ecotourism destinations the country has to offer!

1. The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

Comprised of two lagoons on the Baja California Peninsula (Ojo de Liebre Lagoon and San Ignacio Lagoon), this coastal destination is spectacular for wildlife viewing as it is a significant wintering and breeding ground for marine mammals, most notably for gray whales in addition to harbor seals, California sea lions, northern elephant seals and blue whale. A large number of resident and migratory birds also nest in these wetlands.

Gray whales are among the friendliest and most active whale species, often slapping their tail fins, breaching, and surfacing near boats to the delight of whale watchers. To protect these magnificent creatures, the Mexican government has set strict regulations for whale watching vessels, so be sure to book your tour with a company that is up to the national sustainability standards (denoted by an orange flag with a whale image), like the excellent Casa Mexicana de la Ballena Gris and Ecoturismo Kuyimá.

2. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies from all across North America migrate to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve to spend the winter and rest up for their northward journey in the spring. The beautiful and delicate butterflies congregate in clusters, weighing down tree branches and carpeting the forest floor. When they take flight, they beat their wings in a soft pitter-patter and fill the skies with brilliant orange, creating a truly exceptional spectacle of nature.

There are trails through the forest leading to the main concentrations of butterflies. Travelers can go on foot or on horseback with a local guide.

3. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka'an is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, not far from the ever-popular beaches of the Riviera Maya--making some of its more accessible parts convenient for day trips. Its name means "where the sky is born" or "gift from the sky" in the Mayan language.

Sian Ka'an is the largest coastal protected area in Mexico and contains a variety of ecological habitats including coral reefs, tropical forest, mangroves, beaches, and cenotes (sinkholes). Local tour operators offer guided boats tours or kayak expeditions along the Mayan Canal, which winds through the clear waters of the lagoons and mangroves. There are also are 23 Mayan archeological sites in the reserve.

Sustainable hotels in the area include Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa ($76-100), Hotel Fairmont Mayakoba ($200+), and Hotel El Rey del Caribe ($51-75).

4. Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California

This site isn't one destination per se – it comprises 244 islands and coastal areas in the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez) and includes the previously mentioned El Vizcaino whale sanctuary. The area has been described by Jacques Cousteau as the "world's aquarium" and the "Galápagos of North America."

Travelers can explore uninhabited islands, snorkel with colorful parrotfish and surgeonfish, spot huge cacti on the beach, and see a wide diversity of bird species, including the Costa's hummingbird. Sea lions, pelicans, great blue herons, and boobies bask in the sun on rocky island coastlines, while dolphins and whales frolic just offshore.

5. El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

Just south of the Arizona border, this reserve is a fascinating desert landscape that couldn't be more different from the other destinations listed in this article. It was just declared a World Heritage site in July of 2013, making it the most recent Latin American addition to the list.

The reserve contains dormant volcanoes, red and black lava flows, gigantic volcanic craters, and huge dunes that can reach up to 650 feet high. The area is beautiful in the way that the surface of the moon is – dramatic, ancient, and seemingly desolate. But don't be fooled--this subtropical desert is home a large amount of biodiversity, including more than 540 species of vascular plants, 40 species of mammals, 200 birds, and 40 reptiles. As you might imagine, most visitors to this place are hardcore adventurers who are looking for something remote, wild, and unique.

Learn more about all of Mexico's World Heritage Sites on the UNESCO website.

This entry was posted on August 22, 2013 at 1:16 PM and has received 1947 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands located 656 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are famous for their stunning and well preserved natural beauty, including a large number of endemic species that are some of the world's most exotic animals.

Today we present five of the most famous animals that are unique to the Galapagos:

1. Giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra)

These are the largest turtles in the world and among the longest living. The largest Galapagos giant tortoise measured almost 6 feet and weight over 880 lbs. They can live over 100 years in the wild while captive individuals have been known to reach 170 years. Today there are only 11 kinds of giant tortoise in the Galapagos, down from 15 when Darwin arrived, and about 15,000 individuals total. All are threatened with extinction. One interesting fact: these huge, peaceful creatures can rest for up to 16 hours per day.

2. Marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)

The Galapagos is home to the only marine iguana in the world! These curious animals live on land but feed on a wide variety of algae on rocks in the sea, either skimming near the surface or diving more than 30 feet (9 m) deep. They can remain underwater for up to 45 minutes, until their body can no longer withstand the cold temperature. It is said that these animals are an excellent example of adaptation. When algae are scarce, they have been seen eating crustaceans, grasshopers, and even terrestrial plants. When even those foods are hard to find, like during severe weather events associated with El Niño, the marine iguanas become thinner and shorter. Marine iguanas have an exotic Jurassic appearance. Males are about 4-5 feet long and females about 2 feet. According to the IUCN, the population of Galapagos marine iguanas consists of approximately 50,000 individuals and is threatened by pollution and predation by exotic species on the islands.

3. Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)

These penguins are the only wild endemic species that live north of the Equator in the Galapagos. They are descendants of a small group of extinct Humboldt penguins that scientists believe were carried to the Islands by the Humboldt Current, which originates in Antarctica and flows north along the west coast of South America from the southern tip of Chile to northern Peru. Unlike other penguins, they can have up to three breeding periods per year, thanks to abundant food (fish and crustaceans) in the islands. They usually lay two eggs and incubate them for about 40 days. Approximately 1,000 individuals of this species live on the islands and they are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Galapagos penguin is the world's third smallest penguin at only 20 inches tall approximately. In Spanish, they are called pájaro bobo, which means "silly bird."

4. Flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi)

Also called the flightless cormorant of the Galapagos, this large endemic bird is unique because it is the only cormorant that has lost the ability to fly. These birds evolved in an isolated island environment that was free of predators. By gradual evolution, they felt no need to fly and eventually lost their flight. Their wings became greatly reduced, measuring only one-third of the area that would be necessary for a bird of its size to fly. These birds live on the rocky shores of the volcanic islands they inhabit, where they fish for eels, small octopuses, fish, and other aquatic creatures. Their population is estimated at around 900 individuals.

5. Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaecki)

These sea lions are among the largest animals of the Galapagos. They can weigh up to 550 lbs! They are a favorite among tourists, who see them lying on rocks, piers, and even benches near the beaches. Galapagos sea lions are very friendly, and it is safe to dive and swim near them as long as you don't disturb them. However, it is common for groups of sea lions to fight each other over territory. Females give birth to one pup per year and care for them until they are two or three years old. Females live longer than males--up to 20 years. The Galapagos is home to about 50,000 sea lions.

The unique wildlife of the Galapagos is part of what makes this destination so special--and fragile as well. To protect these and other important species, tourists are only allowed to visit the Islands with a licensed tour company. Check out these sustainable tourism business in the Galapagos and plan the trip you'll never forget!

This entry was posted on July 23, 2013 at 3:38 PM and has received 2424 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.