tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65957863932186478612024-03-17T20:58:56.302-06:00Galápagos Eco Friendly: The BlogHospedaje en San Cristóbal la capital de las Islas GalápagosAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-76722530226816775722016-02-27T14:33:00.000-06:002016-06-04T13:56:37.648-06:00Mangrove Finches Revitalized in Galapagos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ99ORHS1cA0qp1-f2mC3RSbOkl1NEpowyqHLErZyNlDIVv7uvVsO083abDqeox-zr_0lhbxftOdG2c6hzuKhtgSmu5YowOLwsmHWkYhazWcRjDmacc1xNHNnVBBXP5PvuH10yviy6xqU/s1600/first_fledged_mangrove_finch_2013_t5_ptn.jpg__707x360_q85_crop+CDRS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ99ORHS1cA0qp1-f2mC3RSbOkl1NEpowyqHLErZyNlDIVv7uvVsO083abDqeox-zr_0lhbxftOdG2c6hzuKhtgSmu5YowOLwsmHWkYhazWcRjDmacc1xNHNnVBBXP5PvuH10yviy6xqU/s320/first_fledged_mangrove_finch_2013_t5_ptn.jpg__707x360_q85_crop+CDRS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>First Fledged Mangrove Finch<br />Charles Darwin Research Foundation Photo </b></td></tr>
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It’s wonderful to be able to share another great success for
saving an endemic Galapagos species. The Charles Darwin Foundation (all photos
attributed to the foundation) has raised eight endangered mangrove finches and
released them onto Isabela Island.0<br />
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I can remember growing up seeing mangrove finches on just about every cruise trip. But that once frequent event has changed and, for years, a finch sighting has been rare, if indeed
we see one at all. That these important symbols of evolution are, with
help from scientists, reviving, is a monumental step toward rejuvenation of the species.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQwF8Y6TXGhP9UGqlo9ZiZlhl8coOutvoLM_P1Qi8FMhlmwJ5SDGj0ezm6zQplygWd9t1nJOYrqYbwyOjcFFN-gd25MWSwok952VUnW5n4YGu4oZaeQyzk-4G7rBATs0rOuYGXZ1YfxQ/s1600/mangrove+finch+released+into+the+wild.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQwF8Y6TXGhP9UGqlo9ZiZlhl8coOutvoLM_P1Qi8FMhlmwJ5SDGj0ezm6zQplygWd9t1nJOYrqYbwyOjcFFN-gd25MWSwok952VUnW5n4YGu4oZaeQyzk-4G7rBATs0rOuYGXZ1YfxQ/s200/mangrove+finch+released+into+the+wild.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Foundation Photo</b></td></tr>
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Of all the Darwin finches, the mangrove finch is the rarest. Its population is estimated to be less than 100 individuals. Within these individuals, there are only 20 breeding pairs. And, equally significant is that even when the finches mate successfully, the mortality rate of the hatchlings has been a staggeringly high 95% because of the invasion of a parasitic fly. I wrote about this fly in a <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/06/lets-save-endangered-galapagos-mangrove.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In February, scientists collected eggs from mangrove finch nests on
Playa Tortuga Negra and incubated them as though they were in the wild. When they hatched, the little fledglings were hand-reared until they were ready for independence. </div>
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But, they didn’t go directly from their Santa Cruz baby nursery to the wild.
Rather, they were placed <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzTDysUjROT9DYPK6rltXTk03cXQt0f-JAjzahmaF62MMz8Xva7N2a8OSewl2GhV2CflPpxndQyYdZ2rEwOSr_s1Enal585KUcL828gDOx296qb75KRszmNCaixVFyoyPcbJFIjT7t54/s1600/finch+searching+for+food+in+the+wild+after+release.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzTDysUjROT9DYPK6rltXTk03cXQt0f-JAjzahmaF62MMz8Xva7N2a8OSewl2GhV2CflPpxndQyYdZ2rEwOSr_s1Enal585KUcL828gDOx296qb75KRszmNCaixVFyoyPcbJFIjT7t54/s200/finch+searching+for+food+in+the+wild+after+release.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Released Finch in the Wild, Foraging for Food</b><br />
<b style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Galapagos Foundation Photo</b></td></tr>
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in what is called a pre-release aviary located inside
the mangrove forest for three weeks. There, they were able to start the adaptive
process and get to know the environment of their soon-to-be home. During this
period, they were fed natural food eaten by the mangrove finch.<br />
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After three weeks, it was time for the experiment to
continue. Tiny transmitters were placed at the base of the birds’ tail feathers
to allow for monitoring. In addition, colored rings were placed on their legs
for easy identification. The aviary was opened and the finches were allowed to
come and go as they wished. Birds who returned found food waiting for them. Monitoring
took place and at the beginning most returned. Eventually fewer returned as
they adapted to the wild. Monitoring indicates that most of the juveniles
stayed at Playa Tortuga Negra, but some went north and other south toward
Darwin Volcano and Tagus Cove.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutcGtET-bozz8RNIKHW1oR3lFu5CIoojQO6ZSqwsEKHe9RdNV0NCpxesxacCrtpYfnhC83lsRuXap6ItwhBE8v0AQTYMCbr_Bnsm0wM2CBx4CrFBQ0J-RIGLUJe-OXO_3vDpfleKHDcY/s1600/monitoring+released+finches.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutcGtET-bozz8RNIKHW1oR3lFu5CIoojQO6ZSqwsEKHe9RdNV0NCpxesxacCrtpYfnhC83lsRuXap6ItwhBE8v0AQTYMCbr_Bnsm0wM2CBx4CrFBQ0J-RIGLUJe-OXO_3vDpfleKHDcY/s200/monitoring+released+finches.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Monitoring Released Finches</b><br />
<b style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Galapagos Foundation Photo</b></td></tr>
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As for the success of the mangrove finch release program, Francesca
Cunninghame, project leader for the <a href="http://www.galapagos.org/conservation/restoring-mangrove-finch-populations/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mangrove Finch Captive Rearing Program, had this to say:</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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“Releasing and monitoring eight mangrove finches bred in
captivity, as they adapt to their natural habitat, is incredibly rewarding.
Unfortunately, 2015 was a much more challenging year <a href="http://www.galapagos.org/newsroom/mangrove-finch-release/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">compared withour first attempt in 2014</span></a> and we have released fewer finches
than hoped. However, eight young birds, released back into the wild once safe
from the threat of P. downsi is a significant boost to the juvenile
population, and from previous research we know that none of them would have
survived as chicks in the wild.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3WYGGDUqDel5N3owt2v82RxR7KupTBoABYj9JNe01e30u27_NpQ1lRWWnlpwzb3xUtc1egHlalaiJP4zASWlM6OFaNDZy1v94PZdvysa0WHvEfA6KGCQHWKGprxllxH0a6-5fWZEX7s/s1600/New+Science+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3WYGGDUqDel5N3owt2v82RxR7KupTBoABYj9JNe01e30u27_NpQ1lRWWnlpwzb3xUtc1egHlalaiJP4zASWlM6OFaNDZy1v94PZdvysa0WHvEfA6KGCQHWKGprxllxH0a6-5fWZEX7s/s200/New+Science+photo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Finch Photo from New Scientist</b></td></tr>
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Unfortunately, the parasite has not been eradicated yet, so
those finches born in the wild still suffer from the high mortality rate. Still,
steps are being taken to see that this unique and important species, while
endangered, does not become extinct.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt_Krs3ahnR4TLwg9bgNfpLoThdv4bKLrF8cHn7g-Fq_VQaMYKvz_HxQZsfaYtc1s4cTBqGcyRhrE6UUYh7bPv6-FFd1Is1EOafBHjSWOsUFCHVlYtgsT7czkJgFpYmMS6q0BfhXehNA/s1600/MangroveFinchChick_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt_Krs3ahnR4TLwg9bgNfpLoThdv4bKLrF8cHn7g-Fq_VQaMYKvz_HxQZsfaYtc1s4cTBqGcyRhrE6UUYh7bPv6-FFd1Is1EOafBHjSWOsUFCHVlYtgsT7czkJgFpYmMS6q0BfhXehNA/s200/MangroveFinchChick_v2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Baby Mangrove Finch<br />Photo from Galapagos Conservancy</b></td></tr>
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In fact, in August 2015, the journal <i>New Scientist</i> revealed that during field work in Galapagos, Sabine Tebbich of the University of Austria in Vienna observed that four difference species of Darwin finch were picking leaves from a Galapagos guava tree and rubbing those leaves on their feathers. Further study disclosed that the sap from the leaves repels invasive mosquitos and, by so doing, inhibit the growth of the "bloodthirsty parasitic larvae" that are threatening the baby finches. These findings were presented at the Behaviour meeting in Cairns, Australia, but remain tentative until further study and formal publication. To learn more, go to <i><a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn28103-darwins-fast-evolving-finches-use-a-natural-insect-repellent/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Scientist</a>.</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-59293049787043273852016-02-27T14:09:00.002-06:002016-02-27T14:09:18.560-06:00China Hat - Sombrero Chino<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A stand-alone visitor destination in Galapagos, a small islet near Santiago Island, China Hat, also known as Sombrero Chino, is another island absolutely filled with things to see. As you can see from this photo, the island gets its name from its shape. In my last post, I told you about the tiny island of <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/06/south-plaza-island-small-and-mighty_24.html" target="_blank">South Plaza</a>. This island is equally tiny, less than 1/4 kilometer, but also equally exciting.<br />
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China Hat offers a wet landing onto a sandy beach and a rugged walking path. There will be no doubt in your mind that you are on a landscape formed by the remnants of a long-ago volcano. I like this series of photographs because together they give you a really good sense of the sky and changing atmosphere throughout Galapagos. These photos were taken in the late afternoon light with the sun low and the clouds startlingly white against a still blue sky with a darkening background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh1T347SUxI1PW7TozGAAkDF1-SttEgFL7wmaKSnvw2-VTVDqkrQyuFUz9QD_w1jVaQtUMdEJEskSNBmKLJX00i_giyOVf3KxT4I_nGBeQLuYUT2bfwwCmylAB1PIkNkEc69OxB_VVYE/s1600/Sea+Lion+Landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh1T347SUxI1PW7TozGAAkDF1-SttEgFL7wmaKSnvw2-VTVDqkrQyuFUz9QD_w1jVaQtUMdEJEskSNBmKLJX00i_giyOVf3KxT4I_nGBeQLuYUT2bfwwCmylAB1PIkNkEc69OxB_VVYE/s1600/Sea+Lion+Landscape.jpg" width="200" /></a>This landscape is the home to a very large colony of sea lions. </div>
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Often, we find what seems to be an enormous number of little sea lion pups. They very cooperatively pose for photographs.</div>
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The mother sea lions, as you know by now, don't mind being photographed "hard at work" nurturing their little ones.<br />
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You'll also find that China Hat is the home to the endemic Galapagos hawk, the top of the food chain and the most serious predator in the archipelago.<br />
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And on the cliff sides of China Hat, you are likely to see the tiny and charming Galapagos penguin and also Sally Lightfoot crabs.<br />
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If your Galapagos cruise takes you to China Hat, you are in for a real treat.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-18153336256453131032016-02-04T15:37:00.000-06:002016-02-04T15:40:36.117-06:00Galapagos Sperm Whales Have Specialized Family Cultures and Dialects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9poYKnGUTKES06EfVz3GnnrmLprLSqwjFVmpkUGir4oF6dsGCtHzJa_smYz1wDO_a4-efxl-aefJxiADNB7Q_4rJzE5ivcigHYf5C28ziHLnhkefqu1JmyQxf3kLLTJ5qCzRK2eoqi-M/s1600/sperm-whales-8931671+cbc+news+Chris+Bangs+Guam+Variety+News+Associated+Press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9poYKnGUTKES06EfVz3GnnrmLprLSqwjFVmpkUGir4oF6dsGCtHzJa_smYz1wDO_a4-efxl-aefJxiADNB7Q_4rJzE5ivcigHYf5C28ziHLnhkefqu1JmyQxf3kLLTJ5qCzRK2eoqi-M/s320/sperm-whales-8931671+cbc+news+Chris+Bangs+Guam+Variety+News+Associated+Press.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sperm Whales and Calf from CBC News<br /><span style="color: #595959; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.8501px;">(Chris Bangs/Guam Variety News/Associated Press)</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">We always want to be careful not to
anthropomorphise those in the animal kingdom, whether it involves emotions,
behaviors or language. After all, animals are not human and we can’t project
emotions or thoughts onto them under the assumption that they think and communicate as we do. That
said, we have learned from our own household pets how to read their “language”
of gestures, looks and sounds and, from these, reach conclusions about whether
they are hungry or want affection, are scared or tired or content. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Even those observations, however, tell us nothing about how animals communicate with others of their own species. </span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 17.85pt;">Is there a
universal or even regional language that animals of a given species use with
others of that same species? Scientists study language and other aspects of
animal behavior all the time, forming hypotheses about what an animal's behaviors
and vocalizations mean, if anything at all. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 17.85pt;">In the Pacific Ocean around Galapagos we have
thousands of sperm whales and calves. Scientists are intrigued by questions of sperm whale behaviors and communication. Recently, a study was published on the basis of research leading to the conclusion that Galapagos sperm
whales actually do communicate with one another in clans, defined as a group
consisting of several families. Each clan has a separate dialect or accent if
you will. You can think of it as a local accent.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pz1P6c3pKT2YELk5C8TZLtzi2ajJWmvWTT6korJAfC8md5a9nFZYIfC6rdsH7gkY2dGnyrzqcP4eOO6fPOXNDeMIK958AUKC4J1lVb2raJA1tVoBupxItEIU-qA55iIbVj9bZ4rlt9Y/s1600/sperm+whale+brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pz1P6c3pKT2YELk5C8TZLtzi2ajJWmvWTT6korJAfC8md5a9nFZYIfC6rdsH7gkY2dGnyrzqcP4eOO6fPOXNDeMIK958AUKC4J1lVb2raJA1tVoBupxItEIU-qA55iIbVj9bZ4rlt9Y/s1600/sperm+whale+brain.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kz5t5LLsnkUJ-ubPJJgDRWggXP2uU4kCOdU9oWnJp-78n_bT5O78SudLaFNuLCwT8T4RDQybbWUBZONiCY5ImZsZvmKFOQbk2KmvsETcs9GoUMwjLTFpv2rPprn61GJhlmyAVfY7zec/s1600/137379302_119a7a15f3_m.jpg"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Sperm Whale Brain photo by Yamashita Yokel</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">If brain size were the measure of intelligence, sperm
whales would be geniuses. The sperm whale has the largest brain of any animal
in the world, five times heavier than that of a human. But, in the end, that
doesn't make it the sharpest of all creatures; for example it’s not as brainy
as a dolphin. But, when it comes to communicating among themselves,
sperm whales, it turns out, are pretty exceptional. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">Over a period of 18 years, the vocalizations of
sperm whales were studied. From watching and listening and noticing related
behaviors, scientists concluded that sperm whales operate within family units
and the families, in turn, operate within a sphere of clans, something like a
separate culture or community. Even though all of the whales lived within a
similar geographic area, each clan developed a separate coda, or pattern of
communication and vocalization. These local accents are very unusual in the
animal kingdom. The accents, the scientists say, are more like local human
communities. Further, the accents are a learned cultural behavior, not
instinctive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ9V-KPvg1NJf6yLXT5ZL-8A0d_Lhb_5ve5s1NqjcJ9ZfgzBUP5eYNjTd4FP3NEp4Sx5_GbNvHDRSQ53T7Zniz5RJ8DmwFwbrCRjOPkdUr4Qx-IMZp2APJl7j-4SyNOodx0EMR55bzmA/s1600/sperm+whale+tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ9V-KPvg1NJf6yLXT5ZL-8A0d_Lhb_5ve5s1NqjcJ9ZfgzBUP5eYNjTd4FP3NEp4Sx5_GbNvHDRSQ53T7Zniz5RJ8DmwFwbrCRjOPkdUr4Qx-IMZp2APJl7j-4SyNOodx0EMR55bzmA/s200/sperm+whale+tail.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo from Wildwhales.com</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">To keep track of the whales and isolate their
distinctive family and clan units, photographs of tails were matched to each
whale since the ridges on a sperm whale’s tail are each unique – much like a
fingerprint of a human. Computer
simulations were used to follow the patterns and codas in order to define the
units or communities of vocalizations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zq4a3BGIv81r_N6PiVT0izYPGo0DvlPQopK5utTav1ztI-cuvNX2vWgPCQSSCZOUr2RmQKbQ3wA8C4AB0QkrKsEjHmvmvtDRF8BBWqsRwJKI5ra1Eu_RXA3K4jgFKLh9QE3iqo3EXVs/s1600/sperm+whale+and+calves+swim+off+coast+of+Pinta+Island+from+Naitonal+Geographic+photos+by+Flip+Nicklen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zq4a3BGIv81r_N6PiVT0izYPGo0DvlPQopK5utTav1ztI-cuvNX2vWgPCQSSCZOUr2RmQKbQ3wA8C4AB0QkrKsEjHmvmvtDRF8BBWqsRwJKI5ra1Eu_RXA3K4jgFKLh9QE3iqo3EXVs/s320/sperm+whale+and+calves+swim+off+coast+of+Pinta+Island+from+Naitonal+Geographic+photos+by+Flip+Nicklen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sperm Whales and Calves Photo from National Geographic</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">The scientists were able to determine too that
these are not instinctive vocalizations but learned ones. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 17.85pt;">What the team found is that social learning with
bias, as opposed to pure social learning, is the most likely way whales learn
codas. This means that the whales are biased towards learning certain codas,
based on specific codas from whales in their own clans, or the most commonly
used codas. This is similar to how human dialects evolve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13pt;">This post is based on the research study <i>Multilevel
animal societies can emerge from cultural transmission</i> authored by
Mauricio Canto, Lauren G. Shoemaker, Reneil B Cabral, Cesar O. Flores, Melinda
Varga and Hal Whitehead, which was published in <u>Nature Communications</u>,
September 8, 2015. The original study may be found online in the journal <a href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150908/ncomms9091/full/ncomms9091.html"><span style="color: blue;">Nature Communications</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com6Galápagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-42415373841430607902015-10-06T08:54:00.000-06:002015-10-06T08:41:46.331-06:00Eco-Tourism and Ethical/Responsible Travel – An Essential Combination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqWtBPzWF4tS0yAthCo2hGeSZLNQ__LasmWsQOyqipIlz7V4u0AxZEbGPmSwHs7zpIbJG42iTMUVqFQGDqqzdyPtwWPD1wTW92-_iti7T9My_t_Sdc3EU37OAwoen5dR7meallI2x9DE/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqWtBPzWF4tS0yAthCo2hGeSZLNQ__LasmWsQOyqipIlz7V4u0AxZEbGPmSwHs7zpIbJG42iTMUVqFQGDqqzdyPtwWPD1wTW92-_iti7T9My_t_Sdc3EU37OAwoen5dR7meallI2x9DE/s200/IMG_0058.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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What is it about traveling that brings out the best in some and the worst in others? I'm not entirely sure but I've observed that the happiest, most relaxed of my guests (whether at the hotel or on a cruise ship) are those who come with the desire to immerse themselves in the experience. In most cases, these are the very same guests who have done research about our surroundings and our culture so that they are not surprised and they understand our basic customs and even our economies, just as we (the hosts if you will) have studied theirs. The result is mutual respect and the willingness and ability to learn from one another, enhancing everyone's time and experience. This, combined with a commitment to the environment and conservation, is central to the concept known as "ethical travel."</div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Anais Nin is credited with saying,
“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other
souls.” Responsible travelers not only seek, but touch, others in a conscious
and special way. They leave behind a special footprint, not one that harms or
impacts the environment, but one that leaves a lasting and positive impression on
those around them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpszgnUTCriKqtVhenWwxnaBNcJEv97KHvrM597F466CPvG5hsY3VXFgj-4aPfxLdF6MMEFuN8Z0OteYeEN1re8ioe3wJDlXGAkaG1vd2usqIdRSBlOBkbqCajipPq5anDZkUdtid9gdM/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpszgnUTCriKqtVhenWwxnaBNcJEv97KHvrM597F466CPvG5hsY3VXFgj-4aPfxLdF6MMEFuN8Z0OteYeEN1re8ioe3wJDlXGAkaG1vd2usqIdRSBlOBkbqCajipPq5anDZkUdtid9gdM/s200/IMG_0009.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Our world is changing. People are becoming increasingly
aware of the need to preserve our planet’s assets. At home, recycling is often
mandatory and has become automatic to many people. We turn off water and
lights, unplug unused appliances and buy fuel efficient cars. Many of us buy
from only vendors and manufacturers who have taken a positive approach to
preserving and conserving the environment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">But, what about when we travel?
Do we take these same considerations into account? For those who have an
awareness of the environment and are part of the new wave of conscientious travelers the answer is a resounding "Yes."</span><br />
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">There are various organizations
that now specialize in travel for those people who are ecologically aware and
committed to preserving our world both ecologically and culturally. The essence
of conscientious eco-travel is traveling to a natural area, integrating into the
local culture, conserving the environment, and improving the welfare of the
local population. I’ve written before about the principles of ecotourism and my
personal commitment to the environment. Read my article about Ecotourism at <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/p/ecotourism-and-galapagos-conservancy.html">http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/p/ecotourism-and-galapagos-conservancy.html</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Hand-in-hand with ecotourism
goes ethical responsible travel. Because ecotourists, as an essential part of their
experience, want to integrate the customs and people of the host country into
their plans, they have to know how to deal with the people whose lands and
homes they are visiting. Dealing with them consciously, fairly and with equanimity
is what makes an ethical traveler distinctive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Here are a few suggested
guidelines for responsible travel – you will easily see how they integrate perfectly with ecotourism
principles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Research about the mores, taboos, cultural expectations and economic realities before you go.</b> Often, before traveling, we buy travel books or read on line about the sites we will see and activites we will do. Less often do we take the time to learn about the culture into which we are about to integrate. Travelers who learn <u>before</u> they arrive rather than as they go, have an enhanced visit. They will have some insight into the natives with whom they come in contact, have a basis of topics about which to communicate and, most of all, bridge, understand, anticipate and accept cultural and economic differences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Learn a little of the local language</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">. While you don't need to be a linguist to make an impression when you are in a new culture, knowing a little of the language goes a long way toward engendering good will and breaking barriers. On our Galapagos cruise ships and at my hotel, we have guests from around the world. While I speak English fluently, the crew does not (though they make a concerted effort to listen and learn). It means so much to them when a non-Spanish speaking guest tries a little Spanish or, better yet, admits their limitations and asks for help. It’s always appreciated if you can say “hello” “please” and “thank you” in the local language of any country you visit. In the same vein, it's a good idea, when you are expressing an opinion, to make clear that this is your opinion, based on your personal experiences, rather than stating your viewpoint as an absolute truth. That way, your viewpoint has less likelihood of being viewed by locals as critical of their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;"><b>Learn about the local economy and spend your money to help build it. </b>If you have a choice between purchases made from a local shop or a large, commercial one, go for the local one, even if it's slightly more expensive. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.3333339691162px;">It might be a little more difficult to communicate with a local shop owner if you don’t know the language, but it’s more rewarding to buy something that is indigenous and unique.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.3333339691162px;"> </span><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16pt; padding: 0in;">Besides, </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16pt; padding: 0in;">in my experience, it’s more fun, just as easy, and a lot more interesting to stay at a local boutique hotel or bed and breakfast than to spend the night at a chain hotel or inn. Similarly, eating in local establishments provides you with a unique experience to socialize and to learn about the culture you are visiting. These are ways you promote the economy of the places you visit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUEwh6kcg-iCNga5Sakw-RHJWa4oPSCw6DhDQzW447kLd5ugfpalkI5e3vUPyERnLfPc0dOzJqsH-LdbHPOc6WdjijpMvm_aN8G0YUg7SP90Ko49_pcn-I93-2WzPDY8pFWe2w4OwFwA/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUEwh6kcg-iCNga5Sakw-RHJWa4oPSCw6DhDQzW447kLd5ugfpalkI5e3vUPyERnLfPc0dOzJqsH-LdbHPOc6WdjijpMvm_aN8G0YUg7SP90Ko49_pcn-I93-2WzPDY8pFWe2w4OwFwA/s200/IMG_0053.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">If you are inclined to give gifts to locals, then find out the
customs and what is needed. </span></b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">I
have had many people stay at the hotel and be so moved by the adorable children
that they see in town that they want to shower them with gifts or money. For
example, on Santa Cruz Island there is an adorable little girl at the fish
market who loves to have her picture taken. So, a guest may take her picture
and then give her a dollar. This is a sweet and wonderful gesture, but it would
be much better to ask the parent before either taking the picture or giving the
little girl a gift. Put yourself in their position and you will know what to do
instinctively. And, if you should want to leave a larger impression or gift,
find out what the schools are hospitals really need and how they will
distribute and use your gift. Then you will be doing a real service to the
community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"><b>Don't be surprised if you are given a higher price just because you’re a
visitor. </b>Many </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">economies are reliant on tourism. Go to these places aware that they both need and intend to make money from
tourists; your visit is supporting the local
economy. You might think of it this way:
in most cases, you’ve already invested a substantial amount of money on your
trip, often because you are more advantaged than the local people that you meet
or who are your servers or shop keepers. So what if you spend a
little more money for a train, an entrance fee or lunch? The same goes for
tipping. Those few extra dollars are not going to mean a thing to you in the long run,
but they mean a great deal for those less advantaged than you are and who rely
on tourists for their annual income. On the other hand, if tipping is not part
of the culture, as in Spain, then you don’t need to tip. The spending works
both ways. It's not an overstatement to say that ethical travelers are generous and
grateful for their ability to help.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;"><b>Supporting the local economy doesn't mean that you can't bargain. </b>By all means, if bargaining is expected, enjoy yourself and have fun. </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Just don’t overdo it. You know you’re getting a good buy,
but leave the shop keeper with dignity. Going
home and bragging about how cheap the hand-made leather purse or scarf was isn’t
going to make you feel as good as knowing you left someone in a foreign land a
little more comfortable and happy.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">If there are local mores or taboos, learn them and respect them.</span></b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> Before you go, learn something about local customs. Here are a
few examples: In India, don’t offer to shake the hand of a person of the opposite
sex or touch or receive anything with your left hand; don’t discuss religion or
drink or smoke in public; In Thailand, don’t </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pat
a child on the head; in Germany, don’t be late, eat with your fingers or discuss sports (the last will make you seem uneducated); never
refuse a cup of coffee in Fiji; in Morocco don’t take a photo of a monkey without
paying! In Japan slurp your soup as a sign of enjoyment. In short, wherever you go, it's important to respect the differences of others, just as you would expect of them in your native country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Expect the Unexpected.</span></b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> One thing that I tell each and every one of
my guests is to expect the unexpected and face each day with a sense of
humor and equanimity. It may be that you really want to get into a museum but
it’s closed for an obscure holiday. Maybe there is a hurricane coming. Maybe
the boat’s engine conks out or the hotel is out of your favorite pastries. Maybe
you don’t get to see the whales on your whale watching expedition. These things
happen, leaving you with a story to tell, but hopefully not with a negative
reaction. Why stress over a situation when you have no control anyway?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h0Y63UzwvhNda_uQlr7BmX74wmRrYgZYRFK73fWI-lzeAhvCMc47QpibP8s2PmeT1FOtNU2nGWkrrKOFG1rHlWP1SH4Xk2WGiUl8XDF9THZvmbWYzYCu6gkI7vjQ25CdJmsLzakGURM/s1600/Espinosa+Point+Sunset+Fernandina+IMG_1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h0Y63UzwvhNda_uQlr7BmX74wmRrYgZYRFK73fWI-lzeAhvCMc47QpibP8s2PmeT1FOtNU2nGWkrrKOFG1rHlWP1SH4Xk2WGiUl8XDF9THZvmbWYzYCu6gkI7vjQ25CdJmsLzakGURM/s200/Espinosa+Point+Sunset+Fernandina+IMG_1666.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16pt;">When you travel, you want a
remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
One way to achieve this objective is by minimizing environmental impact
and supporting local economies. So, have a wonderful time, knowing that your adventure
has enhanced not only your life, but also the lives of the people you encounter
along the way.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Think of these words of </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16pt; padding: 0in;">Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.:</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16pt;"> “Peculiar travel situations are dancing lessons from God.” Go with the flow, and give free rein to your sense of adventure!" Enjoy!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-59849578853087187522015-09-10T12:53:00.001-06:002015-09-22T05:00:01.646-06:00Frequently Asked Questions: What Should I Pack for my Galapagos Trip?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Packing for Galapagos can be something of an art form depending upon how long you are staying and some of your personal preferences. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you get started:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrtEsJNXo7bvxbfKkX9K2WorSMUY9ETwT8cB2TzzNMhOCSdcn68pcLLQuoZlcexuoHUsadAajZ5cRdiKEE_gYK_0sQJL-rUNPm1SBwBP4JmbbMYitHY9sed5gaFSb_NRyGDT6R90Eswo/s1600/3122870171_5ca0b95da5_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrtEsJNXo7bvxbfKkX9K2WorSMUY9ETwT8cB2TzzNMhOCSdcn68pcLLQuoZlcexuoHUsadAajZ5cRdiKEE_gYK_0sQJL-rUNPm1SBwBP4JmbbMYitHY9sed5gaFSb_NRyGDT6R90Eswo/s200/3122870171_5ca0b95da5_m.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="158" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Know how your day is likely to be arranged on a typical Galapagos cruise. Your day will generally be:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - breakfast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -a land-based activity, usually a hike but sometimes in Santa Cruz or San Cristobal</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - lunch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - snorkeling</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - another hike</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - a briefing and dinner</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are traveling on the Equator, the sun is high in the sky, Whatever time of year you come, it will be hot. (See my post that will tell you about the <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2013/02/travel-preparation-for-galapagos-islands.html" target="_blank">Galapagos weather</a> for more information.) Though you usually do not get dirty, you are likely to sweat. You need to bring enough clothes to account for time for clothes to dry and as many clothes changes as you deem necessary for yourself. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP-nlLLJRrP18QadoSMQ-8wAo4jeo1TbazYSdn0fc-MaXw87F-jJbon5qQAgmSrpmS5oVctzonk8e9kf0sPEtmLR6RDvNATeUAkHuJAAmmB39eNpq3JplyIGbBmCDEJv5ish1DOlOQl4/s1600/manu52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP-nlLLJRrP18QadoSMQ-8wAo4jeo1TbazYSdn0fc-MaXw87F-jJbon5qQAgmSrpmS5oVctzonk8e9kf0sPEtmLR6RDvNATeUAkHuJAAmmB39eNpq3JplyIGbBmCDEJv5ish1DOlOQl4/s200/manu52.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">You will be exposed to the sun; there is very little to no shade. Because of this, you might want the clothes that you intend to wear on your hikes to be quick-drying, wicking fabric of the type used for exercise. Clothes that already have sun protection factor in the fabric are an added bonus.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the months of June-November<b> </b>or during a period of El Nino, it is likely to rain for some period of time during the day and your excursions will take place at an assigned time regardless of the rain.<b> </b></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">On your land excursions, you will want your hands free to take photographs, but you're also going to want items with you such as sunscreen, water and more depending on your personal preference.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">On wet landings, you may get a little wet.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The boat is always casual.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is likely to be ample, but limited, space in your cabin for "extras."</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most boats do not have laundry facilities.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are weight limits for bags coming into Galapagos that are less than those for domestic flights and you will be limited to 44 pounds (20 kilos). Of course, on the domestic side, as many travelers have learned the hard way, airlines are charging for heavy or extra large luggage, something you may wish to keep in mind. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With all of those factors available to guide your personal preferences, here's a suggested list of items for a seven day cruise excursion.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWcGybtKsyWpfFf_xCwXqVVfKvCzScydAZ9aLSGskai9D_lxUQm-02iY5fSP9Vp7uzLG8H2jY5AFi5jkjZv_nwbAdum_8bDEztYIdQi1Lv9RnCmn5_ekVGHUKIPUhL0MMrCdKipvG55E/s1600/4724287451_6d8248641f_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWcGybtKsyWpfFf_xCwXqVVfKvCzScydAZ9aLSGskai9D_lxUQm-02iY5fSP9Vp7uzLG8H2jY5AFi5jkjZv_nwbAdum_8bDEztYIdQi1Lv9RnCmn5_ekVGHUKIPUhL0MMrCdKipvG55E/s200/4724287451_6d8248641f_m.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>CLOTHES </b>(bearing in mind that sun protection is key)</span></u></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Three - four pants or shorts for hiking activities, long or short is up to you. There are a few visitor sites where you might encounter mosquitoes, but your guide likely will warn you about this before you hike in such areas. If you don't want sun exposure, long pants are preferred. Whatever you bring, make it a light color, not black or navy. If you buy pants that you can rinse out and line dry, that's helpful. You definitely do not need something newly clean every single day.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Five - seven (or even more) tops for hiking activities. Again, long or short sleeves are up to you. Personally, I find that long sleeves do not make me any hotter than short, especially if they are made with SPF and reflective or wicking fabric, both of which provide sun protection. I have some guests who change into fresh shirts every morning and afternoon. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some shorts and tops for lunch time. When you come out of the sun after a morning hike, you might want to take a shower and change into something comfortable for a few hours while you have lunch and a brief rest before afternoon activities. These clothes will serve you equally well at night.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Clothes for the evening or just hanging around on the boat should be casual shorts, pants, t-shirts, polo shirts, sundresses or the like.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shoes - you will always wear different shoes when you are on and off the boat so that you do not carry dirt or other materials from one island to another. The idea is that the flora and fauna of each island is unique, so we work very hard to avoid cross contamination. That means the shoes you wear hiking will be left on the boat deck each time to you return from an excursion. Here are the basics:</span></li>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good soles that are not slippery. You''ll sometimes be walking on rock or hot lava - don't try breaking in a new pair of shoes on vacation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tevas or similar water shoes for wet landings; these also can be worn on some of the easier hikes. Shoes that have toe protection are best. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shoes or sandals for when you are on the boat (some people never wear shoes on the boat at all) and when you go into town</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Underwear - bring plenty. The athletic companies even making special wicking underwear now.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Socks - again, bring enough.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sun hat with a wide brim - at least one. Make sure it has a strap otherwise when you are on a panga and it starts moving, you are going to lose your hat to the ocean. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">A rain jacket and a sweater. The nights can get chilly and it might rain during an excursion. You won't be sorry you brought a cover up.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bathing suit - at least one that will fit well under a wetsuit. If your boat has a jacuzzi or you are someone who likes to bask in the sun like an iguana, bring a suit for that purpose as well. These days, swim tops and even pants are being made with built-in SPF to protect you even while you're snorkeling or kayaking. </span></li>
</ul>
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<b>PERSONAL ITEMS</b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cash</b> in American dollars is a must. The Galapagos National Park Service charges a $100 per person entrance fee upon arrival, to be paid in cash. Check with your cruise company to see whether this amount was included in your tour payment; that does happen on occasion, but it is not the norm. <span style="color: #444444; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">You will also be charged $10 per person for the INGALA Tourist Control Card in Quito or Guayaquil before you depart. And bring a little extra for a cerveza or tapas at a lovely little cafe during your stop in Santa Cruz or Porta Ayora. Many boats want you to pay for extras such as wine with cash; ask your tour company about their particular policy in advance. </span>You also will use cash for tipping; how much is up to you, but I suggest you read <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2015/09/frequently-asked-questions-how-much.html" target="_blank">my blog post on tipping</a> to help you plan ahead.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Travel documents. Don't forget your passport, any pre-paid vouchers, reservations and itinerary, and travel insurance document! You will have a safe in your cabin for storing these during your cruise.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">A backpack for your hikes. This should not be a gigantic pack, just a small day pack so that you always have water, sunscreen, an extra battery for your camera, lip balm, and a towel for when you have a wet landing. You might want to supplement your pack with a belt that holds a water bottle so that you have the water easily accessible at all times.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">A water bottle for your backpack. Because of Galapagos conservation, you will not be provided with bottled water except on day one. Then, you will refill that bottle during your cruise from purified drinking water. If you would rather use your own water bottle, then by all means bring one with you. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunscreen - lots of it. You will apply sunscreen many times a day and you do not want to run out. It costs much more to buy it on the islands than it will at your local Costco or Sam's Club.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunglasses and extra regular glasses and contact lenses for those who wear them.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Optionally - bring insect repellant</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you get seasick? Bring seasickness patches, wrist bands and ginger tablets to help you out.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget any special medications that you take.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also optional are a flashlight and binoculars. A flashlight usually does come in handy.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DO NOT FORGET all of your chargers for all of your electronics.</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All of your personal toiletries, as you would on any vacation.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #2c2b2b;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>
CAMERA AND RELATED ITEMS</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2c2b2b;"><br />The pictures you take will be your lasting memory of Galapagos. But with a camera comes paraphernalia that you don't want to forget. Here's my list of what to bring with your camera:<br /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #2c2b2b; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Plastic bag or other similar protection for your camera while you are in the panga and getting in and out of it. I've seen too many cameras ruined and pictures lost. It's so easy to slip the camera into some water proof protection. Bring a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes as well.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Extra memory cards</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Extra batteries</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Extra lenses. A zoom lens may be a wonderful asset, but only if you know how to use it and don't mind carrying the extra weight.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Video camera or capability</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Underwater camera equipment, disposable or other</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your iPad or tablet outfitted to download the great photos you take every day, though you will not have internet service</span></li>
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">SNORKEL AND SCUBA GEAR</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: left;" /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb9cwtNCDCAxCjjrWVNg1lSRCSy4Y6nepyb-q8_A0ufNlQqyraKoxkXhSOtiQoQZfAtOl0SKM2xbbkSDG7FWhsmNlkav6Dj4WRnokKu2RrrSe2gGmlgY1RR2DEeX9_freHIrhDzWGSgA/s1600/4727567396_0c72f894f3_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb9cwtNCDCAxCjjrWVNg1lSRCSy4Y6nepyb-q8_A0ufNlQqyraKoxkXhSOtiQoQZfAtOl0SKM2xbbkSDG7FWhsmNlkav6Dj4WRnokKu2RrrSe2gGmlgY1RR2DEeX9_freHIrhDzWGSgA/s200/4727567396_0c72f894f3_m.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">You don't have to bring any snorkel or scuba gear or equipment with you because the boat will provide wetsuits, masks, snorkels and flippers. But, if you do have your own wetsuit and goggles, by all means bring them. I suggest that you bring your own goggles too, including prescription ones if you have them. Don't bother packing your flippers just because they are bulky and unruly in a suitcase; but if you have little booties, pack those for comfort. During El Nino the water will be warm and you will probably not need a wetsuit at all.</span><br />
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<b>WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO PACK?</b><br />
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The only thing that you will never be able to do without is a feeling of joy, adventure, pleasure and intellect. Bring it all, and love every moment of your journey to our Paradise!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-44586706630987683912015-09-03T09:06:00.000-06:002016-02-27T10:12:38.931-06:00Frequently Asked Questions: How Much Should I Tip on a Galapagos Cruise Ship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWX4kx15_N31bBlD4ITItSi-6HexQeG8RAHN8kB4G5HgKYNsrkEhoNHn6fSx6OmbdQRXFFsJePmiQxY80r6ODza92-fY5AaPz38uL-0j92zGVHnLUE_nQPHOgOMoL3NWpSjIzkbs7sXU/s1600/Bartolome+Harry+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWX4kx15_N31bBlD4ITItSi-6HexQeG8RAHN8kB4G5HgKYNsrkEhoNHn6fSx6OmbdQRXFFsJePmiQxY80r6ODza92-fY5AaPz38uL-0j92zGVHnLUE_nQPHOgOMoL3NWpSjIzkbs7sXU/s320/Bartolome+Harry+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is the first of a series of blog posts in which I will focus on frequently asked questions about travel to Galapagos. Of all the questions I get, the most common is, "Should I tip on the cruise ship and, if so, how much?"</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It might appear that, as a guide, I have a conflict of interests. So, when directly asked "How much?" by a cruise ship guest, I typically say something to the effect, "We always appreciate a tip and the amount is up to you." </span><br />
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The truth is that the crew and guides on cruise ships usually do get tipped and rely on tips to supplement their income. Galapagos is a very expensive place to live; many things cost three times more than on the mainland. But, cruise ship salaries of guides and crew do not reflect that economic reality. This might be something to keep in mind when tipping.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My presentation at Punta Pitt</b></td></tr>
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Why are tips given at all? Tips are given to recognize service and to show appreciation. Tips, while <i>pro forma, </i>are equally a reward for the service you receive. You typically tip more at a fine dining restaurant than at a diner or for great service <i>versus </i>ordinary service. Ask yourself, when tipping: Did you have a great experience and did your guide and crew contribute and make your stay memorable? Are you on a luxury or economy trip? Consider factors such as this when calculating your tip.</span><br />
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While the amount of a tip ultimately is up to the individual guests, there are legitimate guidelines you can follow. Here, I've compiled for you tipping suggestions and guidelines from across many websites. Each amount is <b>per person</b>, not per couple or room, and the sites' suggestions are remarkably consistent, averaging $10-15 per day for the guide and an equal amount to be divided among the crew:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Lonely Planet: "Elsewhere your expected tip is around 10%, so that is what is expected in Galapagos, ie. 10% of the cost of your trip. Yes, Galapagos is expensive, so is living there, and no most people don't tip the full 10%, but on the better boats tips are obviously much better, whatever you give will normally be divided into 2 parts, half to be divided between the crew, and half for your guide. Remember tipping in Ecuador is scaled partly by quality of service ... Salaries are actually not that high, boat owners expect their staff to earn good tips supposing that [guide and crew] will do better jobs to earn better tips, so much crew members expect to live from their tips.<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3643; line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">" </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3643; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">Happy Gringo suggests a per person tip of $10-15/day on standard tours and $15-20/day on luxury and deluxe tours. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3643; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">Detourdestinations.com suggests $8-15/day for your guide and an additional $8-15/day for the crew.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3643; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">Discovergalapagos.com recommends tipping guide and crew separately saying, "As a general rule of thumb, we recommend between $10-$15 US from each passenger to each group per day. If you have received very good and exceptional service, please be more generous."</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3643; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">TripAdvisor has two separate threads related to Galapagos tipping. The 2009 thread is out of date, out of sync with more recent sites and does not reflect the cost-of-living increases in the past 6-7 years. The more recent 2014-2015 posts suggests 3-5% of the cost of your cruise, which comes out to about $200 per person per week, divided equally between crew and guide.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #2c3643;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">I found in my reading that a few posts by TripAdvisor contributors were very thoughtful on the topic of Galapagos tipping. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2c3643;"><span style="line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">One reads, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3643; line-height: 20.5714797973633px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;">... food was fantastic, every day was better than the last, folks were very congenial, spent lots of time answering our questions ... and they all shared without our even asking. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;">In the end, we left a rather handsome tip and wished we could have left more. So take the money and then put the whole issue out of your mind until the trip is over, at that time make your decision and do what you feel is right."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other says, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;">I know there are arguments that the boats should pay everyone a good wage (and fold the costs into the prices of the cruise). But most don't. So tipping looms large. To my mind, the many sacrifices that everyone on board makes--e.g., being away from family and friends often for weeks at a time, living in cramped quarters--even in a glorious setting such as this are almost unimaginable to me."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Additional guidance and a word about certain misconceptions that some guests might have is available at this <a href="http://www.galapagoscruise.com.ec/galapagoscruise-travelblog/galapagos-maps-and-faq-s:-how-much-should-i-tip-the-crew-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">When calculating your tip, consider your guide's experience, knowledge, presentation and effort. Remember, your guide is on duty 24 hours a day for each day of your trip. When you are resting between excursions, your guide is likely to be planning that night's talk, assisting another passenger with special requests or filling out the enormous amount of paperwork that is required during and after each trip. Just because you don't see the guide doesn't mean he's not working for you. </span></div>
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You might also want to read <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2015/09/eco-tourism-and-ethicalresponsible.html" target="_blank">my post regarding ethical/responsible travel</a>, which will provide insight into how to get the most from your vacation (no matter where you travel) and how you can leave a lasting and meaningful impression of your own.</span><br />
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Did you have a marvelous time, a vacation to remember? Did you learn from your guide? Did your guide inspire you? Did the guide and crew always go the extra mile? Design your tip accordingly.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com8Galápagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-10880695774232447142015-08-24T10:49:00.000-06:002016-06-14T03:56:37.253-06:00Galapagos and Beyond: Tortoise Population Recovery is a World-wide Effort<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Giant Galapagos Land Tortoise</b></td></tr>
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Our giant land-based endemic Galapagos Tortoises are a “must
see” feature for most Galapagos visitors. Giant tortoises and the Galapagos
Islands are, in many ways, synonymous, particularly when you consider that our
islands are named in their honor. When the first explorers came to these
islands and saw the hundreds of thousands of saddle back giant tortoises, they
named the islands to reflect their discovery as the word “galapagos” means saddle
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tagus Cove Graffiti Reminds Us of Plundering Pirates</b></td></tr>
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Of course, history now tells us that the same people who
first came here and became so enamored, later destroyed the very tortoise
population that intrigued them from the beginning. Pirates and other seafarers
took tortoises by the hundreds, and even thousands, and threw them into the
holds of their ships to eat, use for oil, and take home for trading. Many of
the tortoises died on their journey, only to be thrown back into the sea. Mankind also was a further catalyst for the
reduction and extinction of the giant tortoise population when we introduced
non-endemic species such as goats and rats to the islands. These predators soon
attacked and ate the hatching tortoises.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Isabella Island Giant Tortoise (Daily Mail photo)</b></td></tr>
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The long term impact of these thoughtless actions caused the complete extinction of the Pinta Island species and others. In the
16<sup>th</sup> Century, there were more than 250,000 tortoises, a number that declined to a drastically low population of no more than 6000 in the
1970’s. The Galapagos Conservancy says that once there were 14 species of
Galapagos land-based tortoises; now there are only 11. Organizations like the Charles Darwin Research Foundation
and Galapagos Conservancy have intervened to help revitalize our land tortoise population.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Adult tortoise at Charles Darwin Research Station</b></td></tr>
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First, through extensive, long-term efforts, harmful animals
such as goats and rats have been eradicated, thereby reducing threats to the
young tortoise population. Eradication alone was not enough because a way had
to be found to increase the population. This has been accomplished through a
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ-hl2Gh3Zk7rVYhI0aPjg7vwIhSRd5gL_h0D2f6Mm1FlkYjxGZEQSVd0nHGaUGsLUKojWbY2lRX_j7DmCQEvZpvGGZhMetUYIV7VVQeGF3uOtrSPfafz7QZppYulxgVZ5vBWgviKxGo/s1600/hatchlings++by+kath+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ-hl2Gh3Zk7rVYhI0aPjg7vwIhSRd5gL_h0D2f6Mm1FlkYjxGZEQSVd0nHGaUGsLUKojWbY2lRX_j7DmCQEvZpvGGZhMetUYIV7VVQeGF3uOtrSPfafz7QZppYulxgVZ5vBWgviKxGo/s400/hatchlings++by+kath+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In our program, scientists usually take eggs laid in the
wild from their nests and remove them to incubate and hatch in a protected
environment. In other situations, adults are taken into captivity and
encouraged to mate. This second approach is taken when the population is so
decimated that the male and female tortoises are unable to find each other
because there are so few and they are so spread out over the island’s land
mass. In this case, we put the species together and enable them to repopulate. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Young Tortoises About to be Released on Sante Fe Island</b></td></tr>
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This is what was attempted unsuccessfully with Lonesome George – the last
remaining Pinta Island tortoise. But, the same approach has been successful in
the case of Pinzon and Espanola tortoises. In either case, the hatchlings are reared in natural, but
protected, habitats, until the age when they can live on their own. Then, they are released back into their natural habitats. The preservation efforts are
working and the giant Galapagos tortoise population is growing. As of 2013, according
to the Galapagos Conservancy, at least 550 tortoises have been repatriated to
Pinzon Island and another 1700 have been returned to Espanola. In June 2015, 200 babies were released on
Sante Fe Island. To read more about the Galapagos Giant Tortoise Restoration
Initiative, go to the Galapagos Conservancy site. <a href="http://www.galapagos.org/conservation/tortoise-restoration/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.galapagos.org/conservation/tortoise-restoration/</a> and <a href="http://www.galapagos.org/conservation/galapagos-giant-tortoise-webcam-project/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.galapagos.org/conservation/galapagos-giant-tortoise-webcam-project/</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Endangered Green Sea Turtle in Hawaii</b></td></tr>
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But, Galapagos does not have only endemic giant land
tortoises. We also have endemic green sea turtles. Like Galapagos land turtles,
Galapagos green sea turtle population density has dwindled considerably, to the
point where they are another endangered species. In fact not only the endemic
Galapagos subspecies of green sea turtle is endangered, but green sea turtles
throughout the world are in trouble. They
have been considered on the red list of endangered species under the Endangered
Species Act and by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tortoises Mating at Black Turtle Cove</b></td></tr>
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Sea turtles mate in the water, then the pregnant female
finds her way to a beach where she digs a large nest and deposits as many as
two hundred eggs. At first blush, one might think that with two hundred
possible offspring, there’s no way that the population could be at risk. But,
that conclusion would be wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Turtle Conservancy Photo of Raccoon <br />Eating a Green Sea Turtle Egg</b></td></tr>
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Many obstacles, both made-made and natural, impede the
regeneration of the sea turtle population. Consider that the mere fact
that an egg is laid does not mean that it will hatch. And those that do become little
hatchlings must survive the long trek from the nest to the ocean. The
truth is that not many make a successful return to their ocean destination. Many die during their journey as birds and
other predators lay in wait to eat the hatchings. Others are too weak to make
the walk. On many beaches, you can find people taking a walk along the seashore
without a care in the world, not even realizing that they are walking right on
top of a nest of turtle eggs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nature plays funny games with the baby tortoises. Maybe,
from an evolutionary perspective, there was a time when there was a balance
between the large number of eggs and the number that survived. But, that
balance exists no more and the successful birthrate has declined enough to
render the entire species endangered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marked Eggs After Removal to Protection</b></td></tr>
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Concern for the green sea turtle population has existed for
many decades and steps are being taken throughout the world to help restore the
numbers. There’s a big difference though between the way in which we can
intervene to help the land-based giant tortoises and what we can do to help the
ocean faring green sea turtle. Since sea turtles mate in the water, man cannot
intervene at that level. But, we can do something significant to the eggs once
they are laid in the sand on our beaches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>NOAA Protected Area</b></td></tr>
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In programs throughout the world, scientists monitor sea
turtle nests on the beaches. Sea turtles come to shore during the night, build their nests, lay their eggs and leave - they do this under the watchful eyes of conservationists. In the morning, scientists go to those nests and carefully dig up the eggs and
remove them to a protected, but still natural, environment where the eggs can
gestate to fruition for a period of about 60 days. When the hatchlings appear, they are
immediately removed from the beach, again to prevent predators from invading.
After twenty-four hours, by which time the babies are strong enough to survive
in the ocean, they are taken down to the shore and released into the ocean. It is
estimated that by this process, about 10% of the hatchlings will survive, 10
times the number that are likely to survive without human help.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Protected Hatchlings Taken From Nests by Scientists<br />to be Released into the Ocean</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>NOAA Image of Baby Emerging <br />from Protected Nest</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>NOAA Released of Sea Turtles</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hatchings Marching to the Sea <br />from Key West Web Site</b></td></tr>
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Because of these programs, the green sea turtle population
throughout the world is returning. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Association and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to reclassify
the green sea turtles in Florida and the Pacific coast of Mexico from
endangered to threatened. This provides proof that conservation efforts are
making a difference and demonstrates the effectiveness of the Endangered
Species Act. Hopefully, some day, sea turtles will no longer be endangered, but
thrive worldwide. For more information, go to h<span style="background: white; color: #092667; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ttp://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com7Galápagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-40473858514823414472015-06-02T05:00:00.000-06:002016-06-14T03:57:39.090-06:00Search Dogs Essential to Galapagos Efforts to Keep Out Harmful Invasive Species<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Snail from Freerepublic.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once Galapagos was pure and unspoiled. And, it remains the most protected and environmentally conscious area in the world thanks to strict rules and regulations. But, that does not mean that we are isolated. Far from it. From the earliest landings by pirates until today with the influx of tourists, species that are not in sync with the ecosystem and natural environment have been a problem. <span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">We are forever being threatened by species that are neither endemic nor natural to Galapagos.</span><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">So, the Galapagos National Park and Marine Services, the Charles Darwin Research Center and myriads of other organizations and academic institutions are working hard to assure our environment remains stable and free from dangerous outside forces.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;"><br /></span>I love reporting to you about the wonderful conservation work being done throughout the Galapagos Islands to secure this beautiful paradise and keep it from harm. Rats have been conquered by human intervention, as have goats and feral cats. When it comes to insects that threaten certain plants, researchers take exceptional steps to find exactly the right antidote while safeguarding surrounding foliage. <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/10/penguin-update.html" target="_blank">Penguins are helped with nesting</a>; baby mangrove finches are protected from <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/06/lets-save-endangered-galapagos-mangrove.html" target="_blank">invideous insect eggs</a>. It seems that even the giant tortoises are helping with preservation by absorbing certain invasive plants into their diet and thus preventing them from spreading. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://media.mnn.com/editorial/conservation-dogs-snails.jpg" height="226" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: inherit; vertical-align: middle;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><b>Rescue Dog Sniffing Out a Snail<br />Photo by Rebecca Ross, Dogs for Conservation</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently an ingeneous plan was initiated to help with the invasion of African snails which are, so far, contained in a small portion of Santa Cruz Island. These snails are one of the leading threats to our unique and important wildlife and flora. Actually these disgusting snails (how else do you characterize a rat-sized creature that leaves a trail of slime in its wake?) are a problem not only in Galapagos but in other parts of the world, such as Florida. Florida reports having hundreds of thousands of these creatures, which are prodigious breeders and lay more than 1000 eggs at a time, with an incubation period of just 11 days. The adults and soon their offspring eat all different types of plants to devastating effect. So, finding and eliminating them is a high priority matter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">According to Johanna Barry, President of The Galapagos Conservancy, </span></span>“Galapagos is the best preserved tropical archipelago in the world, thanks to the vigilance of government agencies responsible for its protection. Experience has shown that once an invasive species becomes established, it is almost impossible to remove. These snails pose an immediate threat to local agriculture as well as the survival of endemic Galapagos snail species."</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">It's hard to believe that a snail could do much harm, but this species wreaks havoc on native plants and animals, destroying crops, spreading parasites and threatening native ecosystems. In the Galapagos, if the species is allowed to spread outside of the 50 acres on Santa Cruz Island where it was first detected in 2010, it could have a serious impact on both farms and the delicate flora and fauna native to the islands.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2kwXMExmTJn_j3MiG-eFxzJXWflQ97rqw1diWTxrY9p_PFmHc3QT0rhemnLc62X_lt1BhMbaPx6UGofACtOgKnQnE32SHeYXZ2vAXV4RStoh1fNcdZeX-ClV-ixraZm-OrPtwR137q8/s1600/conservation-dog-tracking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2kwXMExmTJn_j3MiG-eFxzJXWflQ97rqw1diWTxrY9p_PFmHc3QT0rhemnLc62X_lt1BhMbaPx6UGofACtOgKnQnE32SHeYXZ2vAXV4RStoh1fNcdZeX-ClV-ixraZm-OrPtwR137q8/s400/conservation-dog-tracking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">But, dogs like Darwin and Neville, both adopted by Dogs for Conservation, pave the way to eradicate the snails. They have been trained specifically to sniff out the giant African snails and work with the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency and Island Conservation as well. For now, their work is restricted to the area of Santa Cruz Island which the snails are breeding, but ultimately they will be dispatched to airports and other points of embarkation to help keep this and other invasive species out of the Galapagos Islands.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Mother Nature Network has done an excellent job of explaining how dogs are used not only in Galapagos, but in other geographic locations for conservation purposes. <a href="http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/rescued-dogs-find-new-purpose-hunting-giant-invasive-snails-in-the" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MNN reports the following</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Using dogs as assistants for conservation is a concept picking up steam around the world. They make the job of researchers and biologists far easier. And finding high-energy dogs from shelters is a perfect starting place. In 2012, </span><a href="http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/rescue-dogs-sniff-out-endangered-species" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #025689; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">we reported on Conservation Canines</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, another organization using the same strategy of adopting dogs whose energy and obsessive tendencies make them a poor match as family pets, but it's what makes them ideal for work in the field. Their scent-detection abilities can dramatically cut down the amount of time researchers have to spend searching for scat or other signs of the species they're studying."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPurWleVq0VeWFXOYcmy3x7mlxjnmES4emT2hwHB8_6TEXVrShxsJw0iOu7uaUBn5ioHFZzPC5zNmFItOLY-cWQAWdu679cS-b4sh3z4s4_yqVFQZNwjqzALhvFVnoDInycLOYph62Jc/s1600/giant-african-snail-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPurWleVq0VeWFXOYcmy3x7mlxjnmES4emT2hwHB8_6TEXVrShxsJw0iOu7uaUBn5ioHFZzPC5zNmFItOLY-cWQAWdu679cS-b4sh3z4s4_yqVFQZNwjqzALhvFVnoDInycLOYph62Jc/s400/giant-african-snail-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Repeatingislands.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />“In order to study a species, whether it be an endangered species or an invasive species, biologists need to be able to collect information. Unfortunately, it is often extremely difficult or even impossible to properly survey for specific species due to limitations in technology and/or human eyesight,” said Rebecca Ross, executive director of Dogs for Conservation. “There is a reason the U.S. military has spent so much money investing in their dogs, and that is because no one has found a tool or machine that can compete with a dog’s nose!”<br /><br />"For the giant snails in the Galapagos, Darwin and Neville are making the job far easier for the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency. Staff used to have to search for the snails on rainy nights using headlamps, something that was difficult, time-consuming, and simply not a viable permanent solution. Instead, the agency enlisted the help of Dogs for Conservation, who worked with six agency staff members to learn canine behavior, handling skills, scent theory and other essentials to working with the two dogs."<br /><br />"Darwin and Neville can quickly go into an area, even high-risk areas, with minimal impact and maximum effectiveness at finding the snails."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems that Dogs for Conservation, the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency and Island Conservation have found the perfect win-win situation with Neville and Darwin.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador-0.6393592 -90.3371889-1.1474397 -90.9826359 -0.13127869999999997 -89.6917419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-28637992484141389342015-05-26T05:13:00.000-06:002015-05-26T05:13:34.148-06:00Volcan Wolf Erupts on Isabela Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs1sTSMYGYZdXA_SQ8cgeZdtN4aknGhUGFMVh4EVxXMYbjDsNMhHdBvPccxzZn-ONRJgXbg9Ea9cAihInBrCkfb3n37pAREJkHcm5Sc0lMAHNIWElnBpduiSmRAUhuzV5TZ4I5s9pbNM/s1600/volcan+wolf+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs1sTSMYGYZdXA_SQ8cgeZdtN4aknGhUGFMVh4EVxXMYbjDsNMhHdBvPccxzZn-ONRJgXbg9Ea9cAihInBrCkfb3n37pAREJkHcm5Sc0lMAHNIWElnBpduiSmRAUhuzV5TZ4I5s9pbNM/s200/volcan+wolf+2.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Volcan Wolf is erupting right now on Isabela Island for the first time since 1982. It's a spectacular sight to see. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxaoCQ2XCxYr3cTlWk3cQ-XL763yimiYw8imZl6MV-haFDqtw83l-SSvl2tJ6KOc2ojnfpVsqkFuCdRutlflZPmomNU8XZ0nhxZoM8I9JxtdXOrmR0RqCASTgKAeQeZ4zxNtK5drRDuM/s1600/GNP+Pink+Iguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxaoCQ2XCxYr3cTlWk3cQ-XL763yimiYw8imZl6MV-haFDqtw83l-SSvl2tJ6KOc2ojnfpVsqkFuCdRutlflZPmomNU8XZ0nhxZoM8I9JxtdXOrmR0RqCASTgKAeQeZ4zxNtK5drRDuM/s200/GNP+Pink+Iguana.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">No human population will be harmed by the eruption. Importantly, the Galapagos National Park Service is reporting that our endemic pink iguana population is not currently at risk. It has been reported that the lava is flowing down the volcano's southern face but that the iguanas inhabit the other side of the volcano. The lava appears to be flowing into the sea, and there is no prediction as yet regarding any effect on marine life near the base of the volcano.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Visit the Galapagos Eco-Lodge facebook page for updates and our blog for more information about Volcan Wolf and our unique pink iguanas.</span><span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: helvetica, arial, lucida grande, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2013/02/no-two-galapagos-iguanas-same.html; http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/10/isabela-island-visitor-sites-part-iii.html</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: helvetica, arial, lucida grande, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-85229186410004712032015-04-14T05:00:00.000-06:002016-06-14T04:25:30.952-06:00Sea Lions Too are Mama's Boys!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwhH7S8ktiY7VopYamTpmmHbA7vfz351C3wivgF0xectHUN1O52ktcCpKwT8Uso7_HBtZbCYqAXTzEORH-B9YodIA69Vl2TIs3kmwYlv4bcvdXC9Ol0r7hSObLvUil80cNCdMjiXGkzU/s1600/Sea+Lion+and+Pup+on+Rock+South+Plazas+island+from+boat+John+DSC_8200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwhH7S8ktiY7VopYamTpmmHbA7vfz351C3wivgF0xectHUN1O52ktcCpKwT8Uso7_HBtZbCYqAXTzEORH-B9YodIA69Vl2TIs3kmwYlv4bcvdXC9Ol0r7hSObLvUil80cNCdMjiXGkzU/s1600/Sea+Lion+and+Pup+on+Rock+South+Plazas+island+from+boat+John+DSC_8200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwhH7S8ktiY7VopYamTpmmHbA7vfz351C3wivgF0xectHUN1O52ktcCpKwT8Uso7_HBtZbCYqAXTzEORH-B9YodIA69Vl2TIs3kmwYlv4bcvdXC9Ol0r7hSObLvUil80cNCdMjiXGkzU/s1600/Sea+Lion+and+Pup+on+Rock+South+Plazas+island+from+boat+John+DSC_8200.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Mama's boy" is at term usually used to describe a human male's exceedingly close relationship with his mother. But, when you really think about it, I guess it should come as no surprise that human sons are not the only species that attach to their moms. That is exactly what the latest research about Galapagos Island sea lions, as reported in the journal <i>Animal Behavior,</i> has confirmed. Like many other species, such as Galapagos Blue Footed Boobies, the male sea lion doesn't venture far from his mom.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAYSDf6q-6sJgn0weyY5KPXN-S4xS2wmz44QjF8FUWnmW8Z8Y_Yq0m1R2rowzqFRaCC2rTnqfLAzv83dstq6fvUeNnzi0ob76ZFlvTKKHOxBeeXUWkPUHUpLfruDrwR_DxMm_n0ZzDcs/s1600/Fur+seal+pup+CC+alh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAYSDf6q-6sJgn0weyY5KPXN-S4xS2wmz44QjF8FUWnmW8Z8Y_Yq0m1R2rowzqFRaCC2rTnqfLAzv83dstq6fvUeNnzi0ob76ZFlvTKKHOxBeeXUWkPUHUpLfruDrwR_DxMm_n0ZzDcs/s1600/Fur+seal+pup+CC+alh1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Male baby sea lions stay close to and rely on their moms for a much longer period than their female peers. Long after the little boys grow big enough to be capable of hunting and fishing, they still laze around dependently on their moms far after their sisters have ventured out on their own and learned to forage. It seems that the males have it made from a physical and (from what we as humans would refer to as a psychological) point of view.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW7cov3wgNsbNMLWBXGP1STYzY_qCSjql1s-zFCJVnrB5t-PDdEKa0NNeQ8vaUO4VtkVWpS5BRenY83HSMzyD4tRP2UB9NY9qI4LBqcx8rygZf6jHYzhiOy5Mywrk2Dvh94rMY0hUUJg/s1600/sea+lion+pup+and+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW7cov3wgNsbNMLWBXGP1STYzY_qCSjql1s-zFCJVnrB5t-PDdEKa0NNeQ8vaUO4VtkVWpS5BRenY83HSMzyD4tRP2UB9NY9qI4LBqcx8rygZf6jHYzhiOy5Mywrk2Dvh94rMY0hUUJg/s1600/sea+lion+pup+and+mom.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's what a casual sea-lion observer would register: a pup is born and starts to suckle. Not long thereafter, the mother goes out to sea for days at a time in order to eat and gain strength so that she can return to the pup to nurse it and help it grow strong and, ultimately, independent. That's why so often as we walk on the Galapagos Islands, we see these little ones on their own, sometimes in little nurseries, often going from one female to another looking for their mom, and just as often crying in apparent frustration. Soon enough though, the mother sea lion returns, finds her baby and gets back to the business of feeding and nurturing. This general behavior applies equally to male and female pups.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwvmHckDpyo6CQ9rlXCjEUHDHvKCr2y3AcHZMCVVcLFKjOMQJbrlZK83Uf-77ubwCI67cWoswiggX0RyR6KOEoTm-FTkDpewia6BdjQQChCDpWHLH7z8Rff6SFJ4MaIzP1xr1lM-bDGU/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwvmHckDpyo6CQ9rlXCjEUHDHvKCr2y3AcHZMCVVcLFKjOMQJbrlZK83Uf-77ubwCI67cWoswiggX0RyR6KOEoTm-FTkDpewia6BdjQQChCDpWHLH7z8Rff6SFJ4MaIzP1xr1lM-bDGU/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAYSDf6q-6sJgn0weyY5KPXN-S4xS2wmz44QjF8FUWnmW8Z8Y_Yq0m1R2rowzqFRaCC2rTnqfLAzv83dstq6fvUeNnzi0ob76ZFlvTKKHOxBeeXUWkPUHUpLfruDrwR_DxMm_n0ZzDcs/s1600/Fur+seal+pup+CC+alh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">What the latest research has disclosed is that offspring of both sexes nurse for at least two, and often as many as six or even seven, years. The scientists call the nursing period of sea lions a "boomerang system." This means that they often suckle even after having pups of their own and after the mothers have new babies. Interestingly, this results in the possibility that more than one generation at a time may be suckling and the older offspring may edge out the younger for their mother's milk supply.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3LtKU2wysSVMne-XrYf9NCng_dOZqKiwJ4r20XNkAzHGGvzbf4RLlWqqVNX0XdB5VnZHpy1eIANSyPvblfXlm_F_sgEjceIsN5jAJGCIRa4SOLqK5EvoPBJisGIaODLQgya1CxKz1y0/s1600/sea+lion+pup+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3LtKU2wysSVMne-XrYf9NCng_dOZqKiwJ4r20XNkAzHGGvzbf4RLlWqqVNX0XdB5VnZHpy1eIANSyPvblfXlm_F_sgEjceIsN5jAJGCIRa4SOLqK5EvoPBJisGIaODLQgya1CxKz1y0/s1600/sea+lion+pup+7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is where the behavior of male and female sea lion pups diverges. Following the initial suckling period, the little females nurse only intermittently and learn to hunt and fish on their own. They start early to get their own nutrition. Their independence provides learning opportunities and experience. Equally important, this independence relieves some of the burden on their mothers. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOvMlp3Sw7CU0-FtWNB5ZSQm1GVHyWXr3zLx9vzqTeuA7QrjAylUw6XO_jb6f6Infm03LjQVZPGOePiQKwXbQmP2gxXQnSfAA93PZYJpkihz14h6KnvCZrH9Iep17oYbRkJqY6f6XuHk/s1600/sea-lion-pup-at-a-beach-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOvMlp3Sw7CU0-FtWNB5ZSQm1GVHyWXr3zLx9vzqTeuA7QrjAylUw6XO_jb6f6Infm03LjQVZPGOePiQKwXbQmP2gxXQnSfAA93PZYJpkihz14h6KnvCZrH9Iep17oYbRkJqY6f6XuHk/s1600/sea-lion-pup-at-a-beach-0.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The little males, to the contrary, keep on nursing and don't lift even a flipper to find some of their own food. The result is to place the full burden for their growth on their mothers. According to the scientists, this dichotomy between the males and females - particularly the resultant wear and tear on the mothers - raises "questions about the evolutionary costs for mothers of rearing such lazy sons."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9iONIWvXYcAkZDHhpU5PLm4gxG3Pm1X4FxCW4JD3NIaHKmDVlgFLz9a3pDkZuCp4mZeJvoXPWFbg14aoLGqE5OO2FWGcf5pFZTmoOnS9bcyHC1Y446P_6XX0LIHfCRvdat_9rosUWlA/s1600/May+3+Espanola+Island+Gardner+Bay+IMG_1393+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9iONIWvXYcAkZDHhpU5PLm4gxG3Pm1X4FxCW4JD3NIaHKmDVlgFLz9a3pDkZuCp4mZeJvoXPWFbg14aoLGqE5OO2FWGcf5pFZTmoOnS9bcyHC1Y446P_6XX0LIHfCRvdat_9rosUWlA/s1600/May+3+Espanola+Island+Gardner+Bay+IMG_1393+(2).JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">To understand these potential evolutionary costs, the entirety of a young male sea lion's drain on his mother comes into play. The male Galapagos sea lions outweigh their female counterparts considerably at birth. To maintain that weight and to continue to grow they need a lot of calories. This places an extreme demand on the mothers to go out to sea and fish their hearts out! They need enough nutrition to feed themselves as well as their growing boys. And, it should be obvious, as the boys grow, they need more food - thereby continuing the cycle of feeding and eating, depleting, hunting and starting all over again. It's an arduous process for the mother. It also may help explain why a nursing sea lion mare will feed only her own pup, no matter how needing and demanding another may be, even an orphan whose own mother does not return from a fishing expedition.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsIshJkkcShKlsIMqK3vsN-ifpIs3cH-kqMjxa_ZSI-qB-gLyZBod-PG36hTN7GQmPVNsGjUS9sOxO_fjV5JISTcOaLsnvm-q-8KaJN-PLRlyNW2iTk-iRsAScoPOGEB7Y88ZjbgWG7s/s1600/Copy+of+Sea+Lion+Pup+with+Iguanas+Marine+Christmas+Suerez+Point+Espanola+IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsIshJkkcShKlsIMqK3vsN-ifpIs3cH-kqMjxa_ZSI-qB-gLyZBod-PG36hTN7GQmPVNsGjUS9sOxO_fjV5JISTcOaLsnvm-q-8KaJN-PLRlyNW2iTk-iRsAScoPOGEB7Y88ZjbgWG7s/s1600/Copy+of+Sea+Lion+Pup+with+Iguanas+Marine+Christmas+Suerez+Point+Espanola+IMG_2290.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The findings reported in <i>Animal Behavior</i> were utterly unexpected. Until this study, marine biologists, knowing how much more calorie consumption was needed by the males, had assumed that their nursing intake was supplemented by their own hunting. Finding that the males do not, in fact, forage nearly to the extent of the females was eye opening.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_tLskqjVinoEG1sQsSi-P0lAzIqxm-gFM8_gh6us4-VsXxNA_fgGUdWunSZpHylVObjSujeY4HllkpQ6D-OFjOk8Uv2ndl4EyHHjRBZXdjFP1a8-VUZlUIv2RDi-kYjYvszsJZe8VHc/s1600/sea+lions+at+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_tLskqjVinoEG1sQsSi-P0lAzIqxm-gFM8_gh6us4-VsXxNA_fgGUdWunSZpHylVObjSujeY4HllkpQ6D-OFjOk8Uv2ndl4EyHHjRBZXdjFP1a8-VUZlUIv2RDi-kYjYvszsJZe8VHc/s1600/sea+lions+at+play.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXCddyVjy5Jxi5IeF5myG7Fu9Zy3W36CrCSpoz-DiEWjBEt0vKVw1YdBnKjqX9FwhouIbthEpm5nnALzJ-0QkbtwJ8yV5FQ1q7y5wvgWr7_2hyD70GO-UPZU8GLa74dXFpJfOvD8JrMU/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">To confirm their expected hypothesis, scientists glued devices to the backs of one and two-year old sea lions. The devices tracked the distance from home and depth in the ocean traveled by the little ones. The results were interesting to say the least. By the time they were a year old, 81% of females, but only 46% of males, were diving regularly on their own. And by age two, the girls were traveling as far as 18.6 miles from shore on all-day hunting trips, diving as many as 52 times a day. What about their two-year old male peers? They never traveled more than 219 yards from the colony and spent only a fifth as much time diving. Instead, they played with their friends on the shore and waited for their moms to "bring home the bacon."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXCddyVjy5Jxi5IeF5myG7Fu9Zy3W36CrCSpoz-DiEWjBEt0vKVw1YdBnKjqX9FwhouIbthEpm5nnALzJ-0QkbtwJ8yV5FQ1q7y5wvgWr7_2hyD70GO-UPZU8GLa74dXFpJfOvD8JrMU/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXCddyVjy5Jxi5IeF5myG7Fu9Zy3W36CrCSpoz-DiEWjBEt0vKVw1YdBnKjqX9FwhouIbthEpm5nnALzJ-0QkbtwJ8yV5FQ1q7y5wvgWr7_2hyD70GO-UPZU8GLa74dXFpJfOvD8JrMU/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The study's author told this story of his observations: "We always saw the [young] males around the colony surfing in tide pools, pulling the tails of marine iguanas, resting and sleeping ... It's amazing. You can see an animal - 40 kilograms - just resting, waiting for mom."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo1diXLyUIpTmFRFqLdARjDFemGqYkCzfHohLAuJHKx6z6g-NWk5uFDlXKwayYknH6rLbB3bGYKHQ_f1VGBzooG3G7vpSOeNE4-DacrVJn9TtCbJ1y9dpL-AzcwTTwGI3w7x3AM1pTxs/s1600/Sea+Lion+Pup+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo1diXLyUIpTmFRFqLdARjDFemGqYkCzfHohLAuJHKx6z6g-NWk5uFDlXKwayYknH6rLbB3bGYKHQ_f1VGBzooG3G7vpSOeNE4-DacrVJn9TtCbJ1y9dpL-AzcwTTwGI3w7x3AM1pTxs/s1600/Sea+Lion+Pup+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another interesting (though based on the learned facts, ultimately not surprising) finding resulted from comparing the diets of mothers and their pups. Using chemical analysis from skin samples, the scientists were able to determine that those pups (mostly female) that were at sea consumed more seafood, whereas those remaining with their mothers (mostly male) had a milk-heavy diet. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ji66C0s7qTF1QVFjpcs4EMBrUyg9J2o5qmlSC8ql4-Vb5lu5erd1WAJJOdRLbzLRL99QcERMFK4NY2GkDCN09h87zbbFgnQFOdi6xsyQI2FeUL1tLaS7R5XQcJldYAjnZ9CbbdzMatk/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ji66C0s7qTF1QVFjpcs4EMBrUyg9J2o5qmlSC8ql4-Vb5lu5erd1WAJJOdRLbzLRL99QcERMFK4NY2GkDCN09h87zbbFgnQFOdi6xsyQI2FeUL1tLaS7R5XQcJldYAjnZ9CbbdzMatk/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">From an evolutionary perspective there must be a reason that a mother invests so much more time and energy on sons than on daughters. And the answer seems to be in the fact that while females ultimately can have but one pup a year, an active bull who has come of age may sire up to four pups each year, thus adding significantly more to the survival of the species. A well-cared for son will have a superior mating capacity and ability. It also will survive to be stronger and thus better able to take care of patrolling and protecting the herd once old enough to do so. To read more about the burdens placed on a strong bull in adulthood, read my <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/12/galapagos-sea-lions-they-are-definitely.html">post about the behavior of Galapagos Sea Lions</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDaR44AllpWUeEqH-iQKbsk3_BH3HfsLRhJO6UDJipX3RAKywv2Wr8Cu8_eS6CTA6B_IzhO2ARi2z08QQSrMtFZAGbd__f8Cl0My4WmTmHaT6lzD8i42WcW7bAo_ZDGef-usQIOyZRh0/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDaR44AllpWUeEqH-iQKbsk3_BH3HfsLRhJO6UDJipX3RAKywv2Wr8Cu8_eS6CTA6B_IzhO2ARi2z08QQSrMtFZAGbd__f8Cl0My4WmTmHaT6lzD8i42WcW7bAo_ZDGef-usQIOyZRh0/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">So, what have we learned about the male sea lion species? It's not necessarily a very complimentary picture. A little boy is born, rather big and definitely lazy. He stays by his mom's side, allowing her to feed and protect him. Eventually he grows up and fends for himself. Then, he becomes the leader of the pack, fighting off other young bulls to get the girl. As the leader, he spends time patrolling his brood of females and babies. And then, when he gets tired, off he goes to his bachelor pad for a nice long period of rest and rejuvenation. When you think about it, on balance, it's a pretty cushy life!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These links will give you more information on the study: <a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2015/0403-weiler-lazy-sea-lion-sons.html" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.75s; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.75s;">Lazy sea lion sons rely on mothers' milk while diligent daughters learn to hunt</a>; <i><a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347214003728" target="_blank">Animal Behavior</a> </i>study.</span><br />
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I know from personal experience that there can never be too many photographs of the magnificent and diverse menagerie that inhabits the Galapagos Islands. Here in Galapagos you will see an abundance of animals, birds and marine life. Not only that, it's almost impossible to take a bad photograph of the bounty that lives throughout Galapagos on the land and in the sea. And within that array, one baby sea lion after another presents a unique photo opportunity. Every so often, extraordinary photos are taken and shared with all of us, making our Galapagos vision even more exciting, inviting and memorable.<br />
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This is the case with the latest series of photographs taken by David Attenboro's professional camera crew on their recent trip to Galapagos. David Attenboro is a world renowned British broadcast journalist and naturalist who has produced many fantastic shows focusing on the natural beauty throughout our planet. His most recent Galapagos adventure is a 3-D masterpiece, unfortunately only broadcast so far in the United Kingdom. (You can learn more about the Attenboro show <a href="http://www.sky.com/tv/show/galapagos-3d" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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But, on line, he has published some great still photographs from his voyage and I want to share them here with you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP5aSpDVC1H0jOnS8v1Vo9jC2THmSFhJS7X6dAtl4W_IZKzAvyx0ExzJUU-iDcY5F5HHvecvur0MzcN6-oNltc6_Js6RohaOyj9OdChEFUKw0I5-9bRB7LqDeJ4eWXxOi9jb6rytCoAY/s1600/Attenboro+Marine+Iguana+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP5aSpDVC1H0jOnS8v1Vo9jC2THmSFhJS7X6dAtl4W_IZKzAvyx0ExzJUU-iDcY5F5HHvecvur0MzcN6-oNltc6_Js6RohaOyj9OdChEFUKw0I5-9bRB7LqDeJ4eWXxOi9jb6rytCoAY/s1600/Attenboro+Marine+Iguana+2.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>As far as Attenboro's television show is concerned, one part of it focuses on the unique Galapagos Marine Iguana - the only iguana on the entire planet to swim and get its nutrition from the ocean. I've written a few comprehensive blog posts about our marine iguana, which you can read here: <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/galapagos-marine-and-land-iguanas.html" target="_blank">Galapagos land and marine iguanas</a>; <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2013/02/no-two-galapagos-iguanas-same.html" target="_blank">A Photographic Review of Galapagos Iguanas</a>.<br />
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I think it's also worth taking a look at <a href="http://www.sky.com/tv/show/galapagos-3d/video/episode-2" target="_blank">Attenboro's excerpt from his Galapagos television show</a> to get an underwater look at the marine iguana as an iconic example of the evolution of the species.<br />
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David Attenboro's spectacular new documentary is one of several made in the past 12 months. I'll share the others with you in upcoming posts. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galápagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-83714520343057076062015-03-10T09:22:00.003-06:002015-03-10T09:24:01.000-06:00More on Lonesome George - A Musical Tribute<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Never do we get enough of our iconic Lonesome George. And this musical tribute is a great honor. Thanks <i>Skunk Bear </i>for remembering George in such a beautiful way.<br />
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And here is Lonesome George in New York City as he is now. He's ready to come home.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-89167445789606688932015-01-21T10:03:00.001-06:002015-01-22T10:36:02.179-06:00Baby Tortoises Hatched on Pinzon Island<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pinzon Saddleback<br />Tortoise</b></td></tr>
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What a wonderful success for conservation efforts in the Galapagos! Scientists and conservationists are reporting that the saddleback tortoises on Pinzon Island have been saved.<br />
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I've talked before about unwanted introduced species in Galapagos and efforts to eradicate them. One of the most invasive of these species were rats. They've been around for centuries really. Most likely, they were brought here on pirate ships. The ships layed anchor, the rats left the boat and swam to shore and there, they lived and dined like kings, particularly on the youngest of our species. Tortoises hatchlings, sadly, made a delicious meal and, as the babies died, so did the species. This was true in many places, particularly on Pinzon Island.<br />
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In fact, scientists had concluded that no tortoises have hatched on Pinzon for more than 150 years! In an effort to restore the Pinzon tortoise, in 2012 the Galapagos Conservancy had helicopters cover the island with poison that would impact only the rats. And, now there is proof that it has worked. There is ample evidence that the rat population has been eradicated for good.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pinzon Hatchling</b></td></tr>
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And what is that evidence? It's 10, tiny newly hatched saddleback tortoises! And not only that, because of the difficultly finding these tiny hatchlings (they are camouflaged by and hidden under loose lumps of lava) there are probably many more. In fact, in the account of their findings in <i>Nature </i>magazine, scientists say, "By the end of our trip, the team had encountered over 300 tortoises, resulting in an overall population estimate of well over 500, nearly tripling of the population from the 100-200 very old individuals encountered on Pinzon when the Galapagos National Park was established in 1959."</div>
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Here's a little background on Pinzon Island, an island in the middle of the archipelago with no visitor sites. It was named for the brothers Pinzón, captains of the Pinta and Niña on Columbus' voyage to the New World. It is very isolated and because it is uninhabitable due to its rocks and spiny vegetation is also known as Devil's Island. It has a high elevation and is subject to the heavy mists that occur throughout Galapagos during the dry season here. On Pinzon one might encounter Darwin finches, Galapagos Doves, Galapagos Hawks, snakes and specialized lava lizards, as well as the endemic Pinzon Island tortoise. </div>
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Some of Pinzon's wildlife species:</div>
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You can read more about Pinzon Island, conservation efforts and surrounding sites by visiting the Galapagos Conservancy site at http://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/pinzon/.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com1Pinzon Island, Galapagos, Ecuador-0.6109015 -90.6678177-0.6744125 -90.7484987 -0.5473905 -90.5871367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-2578200468072606432015-01-06T09:28:00.000-06:002016-02-27T10:25:24.303-06:00Rocas Bainbridge - Galapagos Island's Secret<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nationall Geographic Image of Galapagos's Blue Lagoon</b></td></tr>
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Not many people get to visit the unique and beautiful spot we call the Blue Lagoon off the coast of Isle Santiago in the Galapagos Islands. The Blue Lagoon is just one of the sites in the remote chain of small islands called Rocas Bainbridge. This is actually an amalgam of seven volcanic cones reaching out from the ocean.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ken Bergman Photo</b></td></tr>
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As you come upon them or go around them,<br />
this shallow cones look particularly unassuming. But, come closer and beauty awaits. Sadly, most Galapagos visitors never get close enough to actually view their full wonder because they are not officially designated Galapagos Islands' visitor sites. This means that no ships are allowed to anchor there and no tours are allowed to walk on their various shores.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flamingoes by Ken Bergman</b></td></tr>
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But, for those scientists who visit and the few visitors who are lucky enough to pass by at the exact right moment, these islands are a treasure well worth seeing. Inside their cones there are exquisite blue lagoons like the one shown here. And, though people are not allowed, nothing stops the annual migration of flamingos. In all of Galapagos there are only about 500 flamingos so on a normal cruise around the islands, we often see none and if we are lucky, we may see three or four in select spots on Floreana, Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands. But, in Rocas Bainbridge, the flamingos flock in greater numbers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rocky Shoreline; Photo by Chad</b></td></tr>
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There is one other way to experience Rocas Bainbridge: scuba diving. If you are a scuba diver, you might want to look into making this special area one of your stops. The sea life here is prolific and highly representative of the Galapagos marine reserve.<br />
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Keep watching my blog for more insights into the worlds that await you in the Galapagos Islands.<br />
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All photos except the first are from <b style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> from Artefactvisual.com</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984 -0.8292784 -90.982066799999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-57168327764910577132015-01-02T11:58:00.000-06:002015-01-02T11:58:07.788-06:00Technology: Will the Galapagos Islands Ever Catch Up?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh yes - technology. Will the Galapagos Islands ever catch up? For me, this is an incredibly loaded question. Sure, I'd certainly like to have more consistent internet, telephone and wifi service. I'm glad that Google maps is continuing to map our islands. I like the idea that drones can perform research and go to places that people can't and that by using drones above the terrain, humans can avoid disturbing the ground cover and animals. Still, I have to admit feeling a bit of nostalgia for the "olden days"when, like the sea lions and iguanas, I was left undisturbed with my thoughts and nature. Technology means change to the Galapagos Islands, the most prized real estate in the world for maintaining and preserving natural history.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Even with the advances in technology that we feel here, I can be frustrated sometimes. Though I'm more than accustomed to it, it never fails to be exasperating to be on a boat and talking on the phone when suddenly, in the middle of the sentence, I am behind a volcano and lose the connection. I call again; we cannot resume talking. Depending upon where I am going, it quite literally may be days before I get to use the phone again. There are few cell phone towers here. It really can be hit or miss.<br />
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As for the internet, I can't say enough about the fact that on a boat there is no internet and even on land we usually have to wait for the internet to connect. I know that your Google search may take .23 seconds for millions of results; it's not the same for me. We, of course, have no fiber optic cable running 600 miles out to the middle of the Pacific Ocean. So, even though we do have wifi, it's availability may be quite sketchy. It's even influenced by how cloudy it is or whether rain or wind interferes with the signal. It's no one's fault. It's just a fact of life.<br />
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But, progress is being made all the time. When I find myself struggling for a connection, I remind myself that we didn't even have electricity 24 hours a day until 15 years ago. Can you even imagine that back there on the mainland? And we had no internet at all until 2012! I know - it's astounding.<br />
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Because of my own frustrations with technology, I understand how Galapagos visitors from around the world get exasperated too. If you're used to immediate gratification and can't get your email, it can be tough.<br />
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But, I tell all of those who come to Galapagos to do what I do and think about those good old days. Then, take a breath and relax. After all, Galapagos time is slow and meant to be enjoyed. This is a fundamental truth here and one that I hope all of our guests will understand when they come to visit our paradise. Whether on land or sea; in an internet cafe or a hotel; wherever you are, you have to be prepared to experience communications differently from the way you experience them at home.<br />
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For more of my thoughts about communication in Galapagos take a look at <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/04/galapagos-and-21st-century-technology.html" target="_blank">my earlier post</a> about Galapagos technology advances.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com4Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.823141 -91.096726999999987-26.3451755 -132.405321 24.6988935 -49.788132999999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-58955196234863891782014-11-11T04:00:00.000-06:002014-11-11T13:59:31.694-06:00More on Lonesome George - The Icon of Stubborness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LQd5Wrc_Lai7ppLxKd30JMgazE30DaXsuJ678nYspBDO_3qVk9W5-ZIVu-f27j-z-1YhyphenhyphenWTVC7agDDawXnW1eDID5wMr2Z_jRcXJjFESpfkLzmIIyUnoRpe73_roFjwkcZzS5uwm7oo/s1600/lonesome-george-credit-charles-darwin-foundation_imagelarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LQd5Wrc_Lai7ppLxKd30JMgazE30DaXsuJ678nYspBDO_3qVk9W5-ZIVu-f27j-z-1YhyphenhyphenWTVC7agDDawXnW1eDID5wMr2Z_jRcXJjFESpfkLzmIIyUnoRpe73_roFjwkcZzS5uwm7oo/s1600/lonesome-george-credit-charles-darwin-foundation_imagelarge.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>In my blog, I focus on nature in Galapagos - the flora and fauna that define us and make us the most unique ecosystem anywhere in the world. One of the most iconic symbols of conservation in our archipelago is Lonesome George. When he died in September 2012, I wrote a <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/06/lonesome-george.html" target="_blank">commemorative post</a>, thinking that would be my last about him, But, that's been far from true. I wrote about him again when he was officially designated as <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/07/lonesome-george-part-two.html" target="_blank">a symbol of our cultural heritage</a>. Then, I posted on Facebook about the plan to taxidermy him and about his New York Museum show and ultimate return to Galapagos in 2015. And, I anticipated writing an announcement when he finally returns to Galapagos. But, I never expected to be telling you about what has turned out to be one of his most enduring qualities: George was and remains one stubborn, I mean really stubborn, tortoise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQvj-gyVgTlBv0rNShnUZmrE5FQqyWVsBA1YgAP01n7fLmxy3OeFSUa2WkGAhQZ0wKZJ7KAv3TrWwxogUpczUkvql4y1DeT_LRi2DN-pnAxB0977ZBOxOcBbMDJ2ZkP-Ml9mmpJXJrG4/s1600/26GEORGE3-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQvj-gyVgTlBv0rNShnUZmrE5FQqyWVsBA1YgAP01n7fLmxy3OeFSUa2WkGAhQZ0wKZJ7KAv3TrWwxogUpczUkvql4y1DeT_LRi2DN-pnAxB0977ZBOxOcBbMDJ2ZkP-Ml9mmpJXJrG4/s1600/26GEORGE3-articleLarge.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>What we all know about George is that year after year, he stubbornly refused to mate no matter what efforts were made in that regard. If fact, everything including tortuga porn was used to stimulate him. "No way!," he said with his actions. When Super Diego was put in George's pen in an effort to stimulate George into some action, George became equally adamant that if he didn't get the girl, neither would Diego. "No way!" he expressed once more, by physically pushing Diego away from the damsels. He pushed him so hard that a portion of Diego's shell cracked off leaving Diego with a very unique, if broken, look.<br />
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When he died, a decision was made to send George to New York to be preserved in taxidermy. An effective, moving and informative video about George in life and during the process of preservation has been made by the Museum of Natural History:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZKbO2B7po0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOSxfa_BzBxycl90e1gZAr4mec4Kbg_cM8Ii_u0iZ_l10TSxNw6LwxQiKVj8NiSj8br-bAie2EL7fa-he5pqxBJQJhdldreVnsydW6VQzOq5usu0iFOyflap1plDyEVyvJkrILHLz7H0/s1600/article-2164196-13C5191D000005DC-903_634x432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOSxfa_BzBxycl90e1gZAr4mec4Kbg_cM8Ii_u0iZ_l10TSxNw6LwxQiKVj8NiSj8br-bAie2EL7fa-he5pqxBJQJhdldreVnsydW6VQzOq5usu0iFOyflap1plDyEVyvJkrILHLz7H0/s1600/article-2164196-13C5191D000005DC-903_634x432.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a>Now, more than a half of a year after projected, George's preservation is complete. Many of us had been wondering what took so long and now we know. According to the <i>New York Times</i>, George remained stubborn even after death. Simply put, he refused to dry out. In that refusal, he seemed to be retelling the story of the demise of the Pinta Tortoises, of which he had been the last remaining survivor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbYY1EOY6EozYPpdqV3qKXxrPzV654uuWXcYEuPtmVYlaHNhHzUTTy-eLyckhREIX-zrRwVk-VsGyUz-delLGfMacymnrY7Xi_EymEq-vRXmBVByzBCUuFCtfYRtk9v25AIECicPRzDY/s1600/26GEORGE1-master675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbYY1EOY6EozYPpdqV3qKXxrPzV654uuWXcYEuPtmVYlaHNhHzUTTy-eLyckhREIX-zrRwVk-VsGyUz-delLGfMacymnrY7Xi_EymEq-vRXmBVByzBCUuFCtfYRtk9v25AIECicPRzDY/s1600/26GEORGE1-master675.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>What George had even after death in amazing abundance and what prevented the scientists from completing the taxidermy on him was oil. And it was tortoise oil that drew the pirates who plundered the Galapagos Islands to over hunt them and cause their demise. The pirates took as many tortoises as they could lay their hands on, far more than they needed, and threw them on their ships. The tortoises provided a source of food and heating oil. They were piled on top of each other. Ultimately, many were thrown overboard. The practice was not only disgusting and inhumane, but led to the extinction of the species.
And, yet - to get back to my story - it's that very same oil that kept leeching from Lonesome George and held up the taxidermy process. The irony does not escape me.<br />
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Here's what I've learned about taxidermy, in the most simple terms:
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<li>George was disemboweled and frozen before being send to New York to the expert taxidermist.</li>
<li>An anatomically accurate mannequin of clay over foam was made for the legs neck, head and tail.</li>
<li>The skin and shell had to be attached separately to the mannequin.</li>
<li>Before being attached the shell and skin had to be tanned, which couldn't happen until George (like any animal) was totally degreased.</li>
<li>Degreasing requires drying and (unlike other animals) George wouldn't dry, probably because his skin had been adapted over centuries to the hot dry climate of Galapagos.</li>
<li>Special dehumidifiers were built to dry George out and the process took months longer than anticipated.</li>
<li>Once he was finally dry, George was painted realistically to look like he did when first found on Pinta Island.</li>
<li>Hand-painted tortoise eyes were added. They are called "the most accurate tortoise eyes ever created."</li>
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Finally, Lonesome George in death looked like Lonesome George in life and is now ready to return to the world and to stand as a symbol of Galapagos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp3qGl5tH_Z6Stpt2gNrSLpqxDKggsnbj8UBBcZziCaYaqAQzNZYsZybdwBhD6zDvLmy8NhCsOSaioXO2_i1T6VjUpGfc9EsR3f9gv9hpiFgEcg0_4gainfMMHdws4mEBSBVl_9bNhwk/s1600/26GEORGE2-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp3qGl5tH_Z6Stpt2gNrSLpqxDKggsnbj8UBBcZziCaYaqAQzNZYsZybdwBhD6zDvLmy8NhCsOSaioXO2_i1T6VjUpGfc9EsR3f9gv9hpiFgEcg0_4gainfMMHdws4mEBSBVl_9bNhwk/s1600/26GEORGE2-articleLarge.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>So, George, here's to you. We all loved you. We recognize you as the symbol of and monument to conservation. You defied the odds. You lived longer than any of your species. You baffled and frustrated scientists for years while you lived. After you died, you continued to frustrate. You were stubborn and steadfast to the end. You kept reminding us that your species didn't need to be wiped out; your body communicated the story of your species' history and man's unnecessary impact on its future. Slowly - like the tortoise that you are - you finally allowed the scientists to immortalize you.<br />
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Thank you Lonesome George for the lessons and for remaining a symbol for the past and the future of Galapagos.<br />
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All photographs from the <i>New York Times </i>and the Charles Darwin Foundation<i>.</i>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-3946438404916233812014-11-05T08:56:00.000-06:002014-11-05T08:56:49.606-06:00When to Visit Galapagos - Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYmbpCV7qtxAW0qhhyphenhyphenjqj5zT6IlD9SN09RBY5aBa2WYlNrttOwSZwV2hoEMKaDMhJgRJD4MMXwh-4U0qhy-a-zqKKa-6-c5-oVtRwj5tnNTrhkwV3nq8D8Ex_7vWs6Ptx44yfJKCN6SA/s1600/Sea+lions+on+Isabele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYmbpCV7qtxAW0qhhyphenhyphenjqj5zT6IlD9SN09RBY5aBa2WYlNrttOwSZwV2hoEMKaDMhJgRJD4MMXwh-4U0qhy-a-zqKKa-6-c5-oVtRwj5tnNTrhkwV3nq8D8Ex_7vWs6Ptx44yfJKCN6SA/s1600/Sea+lions+on+Isabele.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Welcome to Galapagos!<br />
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<b>Sea Lions Welcome You at Puerta Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos</b><br />
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There's never a bad time to visit Galapagos and October and November are no exception. Though it's considered to be low season here, I think it's a marvelous time for a visit. The weather is great. The sights are as beautiful as at any other time of year. The animals come out to play. The flora has many brilliant colors that you don't see at other times of the year. And, the sky and water are glorious shades of blue. Not only that, it's been my experience that there may be fewer passengers on the ships and visitors at the hotels, so you could get a great rate - to say nothing of extra one-on-one attention. It seems like a great time to schedule your trip.<br />
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What's the weather in October and November? Just beautiful. Outside temperature usually is 70-75 degrees and water temperature about 70-73 degrees. You might need a jacket at night, but the skies are clear and the stars shine brightly.<br />
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Rather than extol the virtues of Galapagos in this season, just take a look at a few photographs from my last trip and you'll immediately agree with me, this is a great time for a visit to the Galapagos Islands.<br />
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<b>Some of our bird life</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OJ5E6M8ohqnzBxxZcAQREP_xIlGQxbLU1gWEiyoAn30XsMeqCQ2ZMk20BQKr2DEskBV1S0DYOE3O0nZHpuTpgQKK0zGL6NlN5CMdIbZxejWdqmUNkyVwr1wubrGNsIBM9nLslsUKlnw/s1600/Baby+frigatebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OJ5E6M8ohqnzBxxZcAQREP_xIlGQxbLU1gWEiyoAn30XsMeqCQ2ZMk20BQKr2DEskBV1S0DYOE3O0nZHpuTpgQKK0zGL6NlN5CMdIbZxejWdqmUNkyVwr1wubrGNsIBM9nLslsUKlnw/s1600/Baby+frigatebird.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Juvenile Frigatebird</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Male Frigatebird in Display</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_CWw_ENU39gjhThN0fkucvQgtKczMCSxBT5ikJEklpyi2NRMDX3jgQYNI7GLQLTQgGMKbab45L7CidBB6kGa0xAOVV4c14s-6q_gV5ys_AGxqAtyUrPTOaIlMdFpDtgXfl_RcudOvhs/s1600/Frigatebird+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_CWw_ENU39gjhThN0fkucvQgtKczMCSxBT5ikJEklpyi2NRMDX3jgQYNI7GLQLTQgGMKbab45L7CidBB6kGa0xAOVV4c14s-6q_gV5ys_AGxqAtyUrPTOaIlMdFpDtgXfl_RcudOvhs/s1600/Frigatebird+display.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Frigatebird Flirting with the Females Overhead</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nazca Boobie</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Red Footed Boobie</b></td></tr>
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<b>Beautiful and Exotic Landscapes</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>South Plaza</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Colorful Cactus</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>From the top of Bartolome</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8hDugM2Tg0LLvPrZEuBq6IwidQycJjMlEgwCSzQFspRWTnOgUAmVMChvlFin0PF7vX6FP0tEftMTdXvPG2fqGUcppauWIPy2Z5FsFs3OkTVfSiGNo42NF44tOR5A-fRgHICP6iykwIk/s1600/Kicker+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8hDugM2Tg0LLvPrZEuBq6IwidQycJjMlEgwCSzQFspRWTnOgUAmVMChvlFin0PF7vX6FP0tEftMTdXvPG2fqGUcppauWIPy2Z5FsFs3OkTVfSiGNo42NF44tOR5A-fRgHICP6iykwIk/s1600/Kicker+Rock.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kicker Rock</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_04VYUbr9zqLc5g0OUPVhg5lJlKr7B0IleagmCPsihCHEojsX3ZdUL3JuwajjKbSCIHvDlMUwYEmVait4bC6uUD3nlV9ssHcUGndyPwAkuidBRduKhaXPuifVqHhmMEDb00nLk4KW90/s1600/Punta+pit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_04VYUbr9zqLc5g0OUPVhg5lJlKr7B0IleagmCPsihCHEojsX3ZdUL3JuwajjKbSCIHvDlMUwYEmVait4bC6uUD3nlV9ssHcUGndyPwAkuidBRduKhaXPuifVqHhmMEDb00nLk4KW90/s1600/Punta+pit.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Punta Pitt</b></td></tr>
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<b>Awesome Lava Formations</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuM-0-35wegpKcjjqYIkhCJpbSwGjGmMqTM6b8AC61bX2wFncxRRDCyjZU0cDZLOy0V7oiBuyslpFcoqjZfFqWLmvfit_sfmoHR2CkwJ4sh6e2JCiTl_Ge8hBQJjkr_0BvQRKC-pjzKY/s1600/Pahoho+Lava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuM-0-35wegpKcjjqYIkhCJpbSwGjGmMqTM6b8AC61bX2wFncxRRDCyjZU0cDZLOy0V7oiBuyslpFcoqjZfFqWLmvfit_sfmoHR2CkwJ4sh6e2JCiTl_Ge8hBQJjkr_0BvQRKC-pjzKY/s1600/Pahoho+Lava.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pahohoe Lava</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzTg7qjcqYeM9S7mIEbOBWxDSYrmpBuLa7ySibxZRpF_gCVAUlQw49rBrEU2EPwWYlEUFChz7Xa7DoaQX5-ZI4r2agt9jMZFJ3GquKsmjZ1yMj09RxeE-p4rhSu9Ygav-B_BKMBqpCeA/s1600/The+top+of+Punta+Pitt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzTg7qjcqYeM9S7mIEbOBWxDSYrmpBuLa7ySibxZRpF_gCVAUlQw49rBrEU2EPwWYlEUFChz7Xa7DoaQX5-ZI4r2agt9jMZFJ3GquKsmjZ1yMj09RxeE-p4rhSu9Ygav-B_BKMBqpCeA/s1600/The+top+of+Punta+Pitt.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tuft Cone</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzKYwZDFYCeb8XltwIGCMPd7D57NzA2QMRuqvXKUk-wbRGwhvu0Q3e5Ji24eKJP_lm0XQsSs8bt9ngXl_v1Rxh-vJi0zyDAJFNModsZ-SA11X01CgPK0CjhnrWd2LPyZz3QJUMcJ8_AQ/s1600/The+walkway+on+Bartolome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzKYwZDFYCeb8XltwIGCMPd7D57NzA2QMRuqvXKUk-wbRGwhvu0Q3e5Ji24eKJP_lm0XQsSs8bt9ngXl_v1Rxh-vJi0zyDAJFNModsZ-SA11X01CgPK0CjhnrWd2LPyZz3QJUMcJ8_AQ/s1600/The+walkway+on+Bartolome.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Pathway Through Lava on Bartolome</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tOxuN2FbqGWWgcKAxBQ7YixtJHAR3G1ZUdnKmSk17c-lYRabvv2iQd6CWFcobxHaK4uXHDQEjKnf_RH4bcv_90uYCxaoUDKZUHY8TMbq5Duy_VQYw2nEySwQBDskwtDeOq8NagF4pBo/s1600/Tuft+Cone+at+Bartolome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tOxuN2FbqGWWgcKAxBQ7YixtJHAR3G1ZUdnKmSk17c-lYRabvv2iQd6CWFcobxHaK4uXHDQEjKnf_RH4bcv_90uYCxaoUDKZUHY8TMbq5Duy_VQYw2nEySwQBDskwtDeOq8NagF4pBo/s1600/Tuft+Cone+at+Bartolome.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tuft Cone and Lava Against Bright Blue Sky</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIrbu0T9PQSWTA3fN7sPayHE8z1a0Qk4bXr0KiozVhIW92ZzIBVKI7pN7VtnljuKqaZoRrPeSsPXyBHkeqX0c_sF04Nl94HplGIE8GhVFBcOXilrGtCoF4yax6tVRHSaISyJuWfT__l0/s1600/Bartolome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIrbu0T9PQSWTA3fN7sPayHE8z1a0Qk4bXr0KiozVhIW92ZzIBVKI7pN7VtnljuKqaZoRrPeSsPXyBHkeqX0c_sF04Nl94HplGIE8GhVFBcOXilrGtCoF4yax6tVRHSaISyJuWfT__l0/s1600/Bartolome.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bartolome</b></td></tr>
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<b>Glorious Blue Skies and Ocean</b><b></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1cmKKssvmSVn_QmPDzuU_yWOG4_Uc4dn-m51LB5hrHEMOwkl1RPRCcvB1vzLToPsWvYzfsPj0SWF0nWhHgIU5lC6qJFtyTqIeW-gNFqH-JPo27Lq8SW7B_X2urIYTiNfO675aKNGFzY/s1600/Bright+Blue+Water+for+Snorkeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1cmKKssvmSVn_QmPDzuU_yWOG4_Uc4dn-m51LB5hrHEMOwkl1RPRCcvB1vzLToPsWvYzfsPj0SWF0nWhHgIU5lC6qJFtyTqIeW-gNFqH-JPo27Lq8SW7B_X2urIYTiNfO675aKNGFzY/s1600/Bright+Blue+Water+for+Snorkeling.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Snorkeling Location at Bartolome</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ62CvLLFGbeFgfWv6zklGBNOH37C2EmFfK-EIteIqmm93SuM0TZXDMuCynwNKlkxHwJUhsCixJc9opqKEgznFo9qk01hKKuhQzHlaPJm2PJMj-UCn32M3Yg5g37scwt_jycDUwmp16Xw/s1600/Pinnacle+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ62CvLLFGbeFgfWv6zklGBNOH37C2EmFfK-EIteIqmm93SuM0TZXDMuCynwNKlkxHwJUhsCixJc9opqKEgznFo9qk01hKKuhQzHlaPJm2PJMj-UCn32M3Yg5g37scwt_jycDUwmp16Xw/s1600/Pinnacle+Rock.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We Snorkel all the way around Pinnacle Rock</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaip1zaeT8-Ch4nWxeem-N18b8QPbNnRlhKAWGnn2HPsYkk5SrWGD49EOV1jIoO98sxVoOjSH2DnKl2JjyqiDI85WtuXPN6QBPQ0mRM77QqcJVfq9p_Fm7HJLJv2u9RkOAMqxPz6sWmmI/s1600/San+Cristobal+Blue+Sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaip1zaeT8-Ch4nWxeem-N18b8QPbNnRlhKAWGnn2HPsYkk5SrWGD49EOV1jIoO98sxVoOjSH2DnKl2JjyqiDI85WtuXPN6QBPQ0mRM77QqcJVfq9p_Fm7HJLJv2u9RkOAMqxPz6sWmmI/s1600/San+Cristobal+Blue+Sky.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>San Cristobal View</b></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b><b>Animals Like No Where Else in the Universe</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTd-Nw3X4T4y4wGrE26BYtia4HejPpUTX0CNuRRGduVQaMKOtQaiCBNGN1X0lmlsI__Aw-bDJiH0HWUDpqXkkeKtjXUpc-8DFf08Qn-kMxZe7Wn2RcP-w7WLyPjyPWcOPbxDrIQjiE9A/s1600/South+Plaza+Iguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTd-Nw3X4T4y4wGrE26BYtia4HejPpUTX0CNuRRGduVQaMKOtQaiCBNGN1X0lmlsI__Aw-bDJiH0HWUDpqXkkeKtjXUpc-8DFf08Qn-kMxZe7Wn2RcP-w7WLyPjyPWcOPbxDrIQjiE9A/s1600/South+Plaza+Iguana.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguana on South Plazas Island</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNfIFQMhg-JURSbQPHoiQQndDRCTmUkuKQuXaSdB1BH6n54R6WvF25JS2cZuefdB4yCJukJb1s0duhabWJMJ1l9HO42zAqXqB1nFTW0s_wuzJ8VqsTr3Scx-nn0hBD2Q4TQfxqpnkPMM/s1600/Tortoise+on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNfIFQMhg-JURSbQPHoiQQndDRCTmUkuKQuXaSdB1BH6n54R6WvF25JS2cZuefdB4yCJukJb1s0duhabWJMJ1l9HO42zAqXqB1nFTW0s_wuzJ8VqsTr3Scx-nn0hBD2Q4TQfxqpnkPMM/s1600/Tortoise+on+the+beach.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sea Turtle on the Beach</b></td></tr>
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So, the pictures speak for themselves. The Galapagos Islands are wonderful anytime of year.<br />
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-25899706327936339572014-10-21T04:00:00.000-06:002014-10-21T04:15:45.108-06:00Penguin Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxo_buPnA2XKLq55lOWhahUyts1QVc8k_FdMeDCFJInfh8BR7X6k02LI4zKMDPK5r1TyIhaDS68WZ2wOGkOPo1a6xfYZQjfq0r2PO-5-N9IJnKDkBf5Cs6taFHKlBZXBShZs7ohq9lUM/s1600/Penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxo_buPnA2XKLq55lOWhahUyts1QVc8k_FdMeDCFJInfh8BR7X6k02LI4zKMDPK5r1TyIhaDS68WZ2wOGkOPo1a6xfYZQjfq0r2PO-5-N9IJnKDkBf5Cs6taFHKlBZXBShZs7ohq9lUM/s1600/Penguin.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Penguin photo by Joseph Tepper for the Audobon Society</b></td></tr>
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When asked what they are most anxious to see on their Galapagos journey, many of my guests say Galapagos penguins. And, it's no wonder, the little penguins are absolutely as cute as can be. Everyone laughs, points with delight and pulls out their cameras when one or more pops his head out of the water near our panga or lulls about on the rocks near Bartolome, Fernandina or Isabela Islands. As I write this I hear my own voice saying "Penguinos" and pointing them out with great enthusiasm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahyu8Hx-DtAbJXr7dEEQXOYPwYsHpNZHxgSzvJD9YPHY5cwNfPuMekZ5FXePpk-hrD-xtKVmsaAZqXhlpwQzNK1CaEASHJpmAjqcZlxzpiUKNOZH8kIXWHMp8OhlNt2FfeCsCDREG6JM/s1600/PenguinsSM-Sabine-van-der-Meulen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahyu8Hx-DtAbJXr7dEEQXOYPwYsHpNZHxgSzvJD9YPHY5cwNfPuMekZ5FXePpk-hrD-xtKVmsaAZqXhlpwQzNK1CaEASHJpmAjqcZlxzpiUKNOZH8kIXWHMp8OhlNt2FfeCsCDREG6JM/s1600/PenguinsSM-Sabine-van-der-Meulen.jpg" height="116" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Penquin photo by Van De Meulen, Galapagos Conservancy</b></td></tr>
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Even though I know where they hang out it can be quite a challenge to find them, for this endemic and highly specialized species is the rarest and most endangered penguin species in the world today. it is estimated that there are fewer than 1000 individuals remaining throughout the islands. They are also quite tiny by penguin sizes, the third smallest penguin species in the world. Their tiny size is part of the adaptation that allows the cold water bird to live in a warm climate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOUv5CdetVTCxtCIN2DaAzLDyPwHOvsYIOXcC_Il9z-npx-Vp-860ky20DubFVVApGKNQnvieHBjglcgssJzCzA_QIRvgSJYgDMPAKKj5UrucjxFQjU0NIsTOn_r81n1X0g4jvhLJ8k4/s1600/Pittsburgh+penguins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOUv5CdetVTCxtCIN2DaAzLDyPwHOvsYIOXcC_Il9z-npx-Vp-860ky20DubFVVApGKNQnvieHBjglcgssJzCzA_QIRvgSJYgDMPAKKj5UrucjxFQjU0NIsTOn_r81n1X0g4jvhLJ8k4/s1600/Pittsburgh+penguins.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Northern Hemisphere Penguins</b></td></tr>
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Our penguins are the only penguins to live on the Equator, and the only ones that live in the Northern hemisphere (except, I have been told by one of my guests, something called the Pittsburgh Penguins). Our penguins are cold water penguins but what enables them to live on the Equator is the unusual intersection of ocean currents that keeps the water, even on the Equator, cold enough for them to survive. They have adapted physically and behaviorally to our warm climate. They have a highly specialized blood system that allows heat to dissipate.<br />
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Rapid heat loss is also facilitated by the lack of density to their feathers. In fact, their feathers can be affected and even damaged by the hot sun and they deal with this by molting twice a year instead of once, as do most penguins.<br />
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They also have evolved to have such instinctive behaviors as turning away from the sun, hoping into the water for a cool swim, panting, and finding shady areas for resting in crevices created by lava.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9vbjLsV8eQctdZ7n21JJkv9RV5nwAor6pn4mG4nLA-l7Laral5lea1I6IXAaNZO3HM0mvMtAEdlPmE3Ev78aUZPb_zzI6onkIfBS1B9KObcGZS8lT8XnWTO65BDnS32IHqMCcb_QktI/s1600/penguin+chick-group-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9vbjLsV8eQctdZ7n21JJkv9RV5nwAor6pn4mG4nLA-l7Laral5lea1I6IXAaNZO3HM0mvMtAEdlPmE3Ev78aUZPb_zzI6onkIfBS1B9KObcGZS8lT8XnWTO65BDnS32IHqMCcb_QktI/s1600/penguin+chick-group-small.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Penguin chicks from Penguin Sentinal Study at University of Washington</b></td></tr>
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Since breeding requires a lot of energy, they breed only when it's cool, by Galapagos standards, in our winter months. Plus, the ocean currents are the most nutrient rich during the colder months. Also, Galapago penguins lay their eggs out out of synchronicity. Most penguins throughout the world lay two eggs at time. Our little guys do things a bit differently. Like the others, they lay two eggs, but not at exactly the same time. Instead, they lay them a few days a part, which gives at least one chick a better chance at survival. This behavior is generally seen in climates they may be inconsistent or unpredictable. According to scientist David Lack, the first egg will be larger and stronger, thus giving that hatching a better chance at survival at times when the food source may be limited.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJjZUesWFNidZje4qfSJYVUc0dWEUOGuatkBPalxVQQwStQFN4EHhkwyNYEYGa85IYKsyJ00ZllUVPx_Crwd6VKUeTZrJgWMb4mZJdUxwll97qXWbLbKpmpQwOjjMyXE3u3HpKV5jn2w/s1600/penguins+swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJjZUesWFNidZje4qfSJYVUc0dWEUOGuatkBPalxVQQwStQFN4EHhkwyNYEYGa85IYKsyJ00ZllUVPx_Crwd6VKUeTZrJgWMb4mZJdUxwll97qXWbLbKpmpQwOjjMyXE3u3HpKV5jn2w/s1600/penguins+swimming.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Penguins</b></td></tr>
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Even with their adaptations, Galapagos penguins are endangered. And that's the factor that is driving many scientists these days to help sustain and even grow the population. One thing that the scientists are doing is helping create artificial nesting sites in shaded areas of Isabela, Fernandina and Bartolome. To build the nests, the researchers used the same lava rocks that are typically used by the penguins themselves. The results of the human intervention have been promising and the scientists report seeing several eggs and chicks in the newly-built nests. You can read about this <a href="http://www.penguinstudies.org/research/galapagos-penguins/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">study</a> supported by the University of Washington.<br />
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The Charles Darwin Foundation is also keenly involved in monitoring and revitalizing the Galapagos penguin population. One aspect of their study involves following and predicting the impact of global climate change, tourism and introduced mosquitoes and other insects on the penguins.<br />
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To learn more about these special creatures, take a look at my earlier blog post <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/08/penquins-on-ecuator.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-62389089443759751052014-10-14T04:00:00.000-06:002014-10-14T04:00:07.742-06:00El Niño in 2014? Probably Not.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Iguanas with Babies Basking in the Sun</b></td></tr>
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All year, the Weather Services and NASA have been predicting that Galapagos would suffer an El Niño event by the end of this year. Well, I'm most happy to report, El Niño is not here with less than three months of the year to go. Not that El Niño is impossible, but at this point in the year the phenomenon seems to be less likely. <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/news/fickle-el-nino-of-2014/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NASA</a> provides us with the most accurate predictions of whether El Niño may occur and seems prone to thinking that it won't occur this year, though it's predictions are anything but certain.<br />
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Still, I think it's important for anyone studying about or contemplating coming to Galapagos to know about El Niño and why it's an important consideration for the entire archipelago.<br />
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<b>What is El Niño?</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Penguin dependent on cold ocean currents for survival</b></td></tr>
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First, of course, we must understand what El Niño means. It is an event characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. El Niño usually occurs around the end of the year and was named literally "Little Boy" after the Christ child, because the phenomenon comes in the general time frame of Christmas. (La Niña, or Little Girl, is the counterpoint when the water is unusually cool.)<br />
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I've written before about El Niño in <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/09/galapagos-island-geography-and-geology_16.html" target="_blank">my post about all of the ocean currents</a> that flow around the Galapagos archipelago. El Niño occurs when westward trade wins subside for a prolonged period of time. When the air stagnates, the cool Humboldt Current that nourishes marine life with small fish, plankton and ocean plants cannot flow naturally. When the nutrient-rich water diminishes, the food source on which other species depend is lost, with often devastating results. Likewise, the plant life dies. Some of the marine life dies from the uncommonly warm water; other marine life swims away to another place. Bottom line - the food source goes away.<br />
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What happens when the delicate balance of nature that feeds the fish, birds and marine life such as Galapagos Penguins, Boobies, Cormorants and Marine Iguanas is broken? The breeding cycle is broken as well. Many animals die; other don't breed because they don't have sufficient nutrition/energy to do so and because, in nature, when there is nothing for a species to live on, breeding stops naturally.<br />
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<b>What Happens to the Water in an El Niño Event?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL3fQm2C2HdKuYY0cnG_FifHX79N47iwWPnzjp3cQ6QuVLveQKwcFmd_cHMLOSidHsBCDfHeTT65sMvMC7mtvwqgcOvBmF_NDc3RwD9auAnWX3BO8ZwOdHT0XYQemidyHfEW8r5EwZfc/s1600/elnino+effect+march+11,+1998+Gene+Feldman+NASA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #3399bb; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Satellite Maps showing underwater changes before and after El Nino in Galapagos Islands" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL3fQm2C2HdKuYY0cnG_FifHX79N47iwWPnzjp3cQ6QuVLveQKwcFmd_cHMLOSidHsBCDfHeTT65sMvMC7mtvwqgcOvBmF_NDc3RwD9auAnWX3BO8ZwOdHT0XYQemidyHfEW8r5EwZfc/s200/elnino+effect+march+11,+1998+Gene+Feldman+NASA.jpg" height="200" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(51, 153, 187) 0px 0px 5px; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; border: none; box-shadow: rgb(51, 153, 187) 0px 0px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" title="Satellite Maps showing underwater changes before and after El Nino in Galapagos Islands" width="174" /></a>The best way to show you what actually happens to the water during El Niño is through NASA imagery. In these pictures, the brighter photograph shows heavy concentrations of plant life that typically exist in Galapagos. In contrast, the blue spectrum represents the low level of plant life resulting from El Niño.<br />
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When we have El Niño in Galapagos, sea lions, seabirds, iguanas and tortoises, among other species, suffer high mortality. But, all it takes is for the water to become cold again, for the strong who have survived to again start feeding and becoming prolific breeders.<br />
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<b>Is El Niño a Good or Bad Thing?</b><br />
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It's incredibly sad to thing of sea lions dying and marine iguanas starving. I hate to see this happen. But, in terms of survival of the fittest, we always have to remember that change is part of natural evolution. Evolution allows the strongest to survive and new species to evolve. So, I prefer to think of El Niño without judgment, as neither a good or bad thing for Galapagos. Rather, it is a naturally occurring and uncontrollable phenomenon that is part of the cycle of life.<br />
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To learn more about El Niño take a look at the following helpful links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/elnino_split_prt.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NASA imagery</a> and explanations of El Niño<br />
<a href="http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino/el-nino-story.html#recog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Historical El Niño</a> events<br />
<a href="http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/lanina/enso_evolution-status-fcsts-web.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> predictions for 2014<br />
<a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/07/11/dead-and-lost-boobies-harbingers-of-a-growing-el-nino/#.U-y9nweZSKc.blogger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Geographic</a> News Watch<br />
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Have more questions? Just write a comment and I'll be happy to respond.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-55672767114004072822014-09-16T04:00:00.000-06:002014-09-16T04:00:00.811-06:00Isolated Galapagos Connected Through Underwater Super Highways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sanjay the Green Sea Turtle</b></td></tr>
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We tend to think of the Galapagos Island archipelago as totally isolated. And, in many ways, it is. Because of that, Galapagos has become the home of an unprecedented number of endemic species and a valuable and important marine and land preserve. There are many species that can be found no where else in the world. The animals, fish, birds and other marine life in Galapagos have evolved over time and have adapted to environmental factors such as available food sources, water temperatures and currents, dry volcanic terrain, Equatorial heat and available vegetation. Ever since Charles Darwin espoused his theories of species adaptation and survival of the fittest, Galapagos scientists have dedicated research efforts to following species evolution and to finding what distinguishes Galapagos species from any others.<br />
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But our species didn't simply crop up one day on a Galapagos volcanic island. In many cases, their ancestors migrated here from somewhere else before going through the process of natural selection and adaptation into a new and unique species. <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2012/08/penquins-on-ecuator.html" target="_blank">Penguins</a> and <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2013/06/galapagos-flightless-cormorant-unique.html" target="_blank">cormorants</a> are just two of the most obvious examples. This migratory behavior continues today and actually teaches us that though different and special, we aren't always as isolated as at first appears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNx8L5SeGoJ7zZ0NfpXi23R-vwteF7vVKm6Rlyy4Q3Vpf8o3YGfG0C7bXGYy0w_gPb1DkawojRlYaHpENf8QwHsNd-iKOZSQUWoEgLPIPhc5sXTpyAM3LgvgphUa1oITGeW_cDEWSKEc/s1600/turtle+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNx8L5SeGoJ7zZ0NfpXi23R-vwteF7vVKm6Rlyy4Q3Vpf8o3YGfG0C7bXGYy0w_gPb1DkawojRlYaHpENf8QwHsNd-iKOZSQUWoEgLPIPhc5sXTpyAM3LgvgphUa1oITGeW_cDEWSKEc/s1600/turtle+baby.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a>So, we have learned that by land, air and water, species have come to Galapagos. Likewise, we may wonder whether our species ever leave our preserves for places far away.<br />
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A perfect example of how little we know about some of these migratory behaviors recurs regularly when, on many of my trips, my guests and I see green sea turtles lining up on the beaches where they are breeding and laying eggs. When we are really fortunate, we watch the eggs hatch 200 or more at a time. Those little hatchlings that make it from the edge of the beach to the ocean disappear and are not seen again until they are of breeding age. When I'm asked where they go, I answer that we can't possibly know. After all, you can't put a tracker on these little babies; it would weigh more than they do! Not only that, it takes between 20 and 50 years for a green sea turtle to reach sexual maturity and a healthy
individual can expect to live 80 to 100 years or even more. Though we know that sea turtles often swim hundreds of miles from where they are born and often return to that spot to breed many years later, the fact is that more is
unknown about the life history of green sea turtles than is known. We do know, however, that the species has become endangered. <br />
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Now, important scientific research is being conducted and findings have been issued, both of which may help us learn about what happens to the sea turtle and how humans may be able to help preserve this species. Recent research made history.<br />
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The researchers based their study on a working hypothesis that the Pacific Ocean provides some kind of super marine highway. This idea was tested and proven when a sea turtle was tracked from the Cocos Island National Park to the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Cocos Islands are 830 kilometers north of Galapagos, off the coast of Costa Rico. This feat of navigation is an important milestone in understanding marine life behavior. This knowledge will also help environmentalists to protect the currently endangered Pacific green sea turtle from extinction through over fishing.<br />
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<a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/files/2014/06/Slide11-600x450.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sanjay's Migration Path" border="0" class="wp-image-136522 " src="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/files/2014/06/Slide11-600x450.jpeg" height="166" title="Sanjay's Migration Route from the Cocos Islands to the Galapagos Islands" width="200" /></a>The name of the tortoise who made history is Sanjay, a 117 pound male endangered green sea turtle who was tagged in June with satellite transmitters by Cocos Island researchers. Sanjay was tracked all the way from Cocos Island Marine Reserve to Galapagos Marine Reserve. This migration corroborates preliminary genetic research that had suggested many of the Cocos sea turtles were born on the nesting beaches of Galapagos located more than 400 miles away.<br />
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According to the researchers, "Sanjay’s 14-day swim is significant to the scientific community
because it confirms another direct ecological connection between these
two protected marine areas and adds another significant piece of
evidence suggesting an important migratory ‘superhighway’ between the
Cocos Islands and the Galapagos for a number of species including
several threatened shark and turtle species." <br />
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I wrote just a few weeks ago about <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/08/where-past-meets-future-robots-in.html" target="_blank">longline fishing</a> as it poses a threat to many fish species in Galapagos. These longline fishermen place literally tens of millions of hooks in the Pacific Ocean each year. Fishing and trawling, while prohibited in both Cocos and Galapagos, are rampant between the two marine reserves, causing a threat to an already endangered species. Sanjay, the sea turtle, joins several hammerhead
sharks, a silky shark, and a Galapagos shark that have been proven to
spend time at both of these reserves. This means that the 'superhighway' is an important and significant migratory pathway that needs to be protected. This information provides important evidence and ammunition to effectuate rules, regulations and legislation to limit and even prohibit this most invasive and harmful killing field.<br />
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Scientists say that Sanjay is on the way to Isabela Island to the turtle nesting grounds. Maybe I'll see him on my next visit. I'll look for him and let you know!</div>
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The information in this post was reported in <a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/06/25/sea-turtle-swims-into-history-migrates-from-cocos-island-national-park-to-the-galapagos/#.U-y-Qb_50dM.blogger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Geographic</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com1Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-83997677920469968782014-09-02T04:00:00.000-06:002014-09-02T06:18:08.426-06:00Boobie Population Decline<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
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up close and personal with the Blue Footed Boobie. This iconic representation
of Galapagos is beautiful, fascinating, fun and unique. Watching a boobie
mating dance is sheer delight and seeing the new born fluff-ball chicks is heartwarming.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s why it is vitally important that the Galapagos Blue Footed Boobie
population remain stable and viable. The last thing in the world we want is for
this species to become rare or endangered. Toward this end, a three-year comprehensive
study of the Blue Footed Boobie in Galapagos was undertaken by Dr. David Anderson of Wake Forest University. The study
was completed in April 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sadly, the ultimate findings confirmed the worst fears: the Blue Footed Boobie
population is indeed declining. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1kyIFxLQTwORCIqWauPBuPwcEncoZvYbkp1G1wZAyjPp9zgr1b8yyjiCocPWcvOh1P3w0guNvG9IKTwS8Cgav069GibOB1BkDTKN_0SFrD5lD3Zs7MTt3qgJsln9xS3EtSaauogogI4/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1kyIFxLQTwORCIqWauPBuPwcEncoZvYbkp1G1wZAyjPp9zgr1b8yyjiCocPWcvOh1P3w0guNvG9IKTwS8Cgav069GibOB1BkDTKN_0SFrD5lD3Zs7MTt3qgJsln9xS3EtSaauogogI4/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" height="145" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It seems too that the existing adult population is breeding at a
slower rate. This means fewer babies, not enough to compensate for adult
mortality. To be honest, the overall situation is not much different from what
the human population is experiencing on a global basis. What is different is
that until more work is done, we are unable to predict whether the Boobie
population is on a temporary or permanent road to extinction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What prompted the study were empirical observations that led to
concern of population decline. It looked to observers that traditional breeding
sites were being used by fewer representatives and that some sites had even
been abandoned. In fact, there had once
been a colony of hundreds of nests on Espanola, but the site has been
essentially unused for almost 20 years, since 1997. Because of these observations, the Galapagos
Conservancy and others began the much-needed survey in May 2011. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Until 1997, there were literally thousands of
boobies at these breeding sites, and hundreds of nests full of hatching
chicks," according to the study leader and author Dave Anderson, a
professor of biology at Wake Forest University.</span><span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the outset, the project, which involved a survey of the
entire Galapagos coastline except for the Northern-most islands which Boobies
have never populated, affirmed the concerns. Only two juvenile birds were seen
in the survey area. This initial observation was an indication that something
serious and profound was changing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the first survey, surveys were conducted every four months
for three years. The results gave great cause for concern. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The research team found only about 6,423
boobies living in the Galápagos in 2012, which was less than a third of the
estimated number in the 1960s. In fact, only 134 fledgling birds were found in
an area that less than 20 years ago would have held hundreds or even thousands
of nests. </span><span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Simply put: breeding is
not occurring in adequate numbers to sustain the Blue Footed Boobie population.
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Finding the source of the failure to breed was essential. Ultimately, the study concluded that the Boobies’ primary food source – sardines - is greatly
reduced in numbers, not only in Galapagos but throughout the Eastern Pacific
Ocean.</span><span style="color: #575757; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #575757; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is apparently from natural
causes, though no one knows for sure.</span><span style="color: #575757; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="color: #575757; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What is known is that through natural survival tactics, the Boobies are
slowing down procreation so there is enough food to go around. </span><span style="color: #575757; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also supporting this conclusion is the fact that since 1997,
sardines have been essentially absent from Espanola – a fact that corresponds to
the reduction in the number of Boobies in the traditional breeding site. The existing
boobies have supplemented their diet with other small fish, but it appears that
without the adequate number of sardines, they will not or cannot breed in
sufficient numbers. Why exactly the number of sardines has been reduced also
has to be studied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monitoring is going to continue to help assess whether this is a
long-term or temporary state of affairs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can read the scientific report in
the online publication <a href="http://www.ace-eco.org/vol9/iss1/art6/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avian Conservation and Ecology</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com1Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-30866096472136182972014-08-26T04:00:00.000-06:002014-08-26T08:05:26.385-06:00Where the Past Meets the Future - Robots in Galapagos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGV3Hs7Gd1b_eKHRTy2aLsgDOJdhOcHiPHJY-ULAX9E7kBRpSrEJOt59wldyrUvjRxllz99d5GUPLMi2ryqv3_4vmnbptBoheQ_ka6J_TPuCu8fwrQ7Dp1D9UwBvk3b5pgj2TnESXkIU/s1600/plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGV3Hs7Gd1b_eKHRTy2aLsgDOJdhOcHiPHJY-ULAX9E7kBRpSrEJOt59wldyrUvjRxllz99d5GUPLMi2ryqv3_4vmnbptBoheQ_ka6J_TPuCu8fwrQ7Dp1D9UwBvk3b5pgj2TnESXkIU/s1600/plane.jpg" height="103" width="200" /></a></div>
Just last week I wrote about the incredible strides being made in using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV's) to help us with conservation throughout Galapagos. But the <a href="http://blog.galapagosecolodge.net/2014/08/high-tech-galapagos-not-oxymoron.html" target="_blank">remote controlled drones</a> used to count and track species on land aren't the only high tech advances in the works. Robotic airplanes are now being used in the Galapagos Marine Preserve (GMP) to collect data on poachers and to otherwise ensure the preservation of fish and marine life throughout the Galapagos seas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC5oxM9cFVcMPRdUVCsIjp1ISb-pjtczT3h540eVRyMMTwu4DT5ayQOxiBXk2w7-wmjhajekATBTcy-N1kEMH_Un9u8zz8aTWPfcHK90z7RZc5QKyUYFxbHmIBQ4v85pdrv0N9A4RZ58/s1600/Great+Photo+of+george+and+a+female+by+arkntina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC5oxM9cFVcMPRdUVCsIjp1ISb-pjtczT3h540eVRyMMTwu4DT5ayQOxiBXk2w7-wmjhajekATBTcy-N1kEMH_Un9u8zz8aTWPfcHK90z7RZc5QKyUYFxbHmIBQ4v85pdrv0N9A4RZ58/s1600/Great+Photo+of+george+and+a+female+by+arkntina.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Galapagos has a long and unhappy history of poaching. The most notorious poachers were the pirates who decimated the giant endemic tortoise populations throughout many of the islands, particularly on Pinta where the celebrity Lonesome George was the last of his species to survive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpZ9jk0nW0WNWkXrWV5oXQOh0xZnkdvWuxra2PHz39WQzcWorXWE0A5yrYou7NAJZcYwEID_9c72TAa0_vDviwqUvK3Ehepq1pPmNnkiXSRghonyXdzh5pl4fiD-ZYwhuHIfAI6eo5lg/s1600/shark_finning_tiger_shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpZ9jk0nW0WNWkXrWV5oXQOh0xZnkdvWuxra2PHz39WQzcWorXWE0A5yrYou7NAJZcYwEID_9c72TAa0_vDviwqUvK3Ehepq1pPmNnkiXSRghonyXdzh5pl4fiD-ZYwhuHIfAI6eo5lg/s1600/shark_finning_tiger_shark.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a></div>
Equally harmful in today's world are shark finners. Shark fins are eaten as a delicacy in many parts of the world and the tactic of finning sharks is tragic. The poachers cut the fins off a shark and drop it back in the water where, because it cannot swim and is bleeding, it dies. As an aside, it's interesting to know that we have about 29 shark species, many of which are threatened, in the waters throughout the archipelago. It's been estimated that 80% of the sharks fins used throughout Ecuador come from Galapagos. It's even been estimated that at least 5000 sharks were killed in the GMR between 1997 and 2007.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFeJtywY59FRxnB6bWNeyh3KLuI85MRJj-by5E9n1fepGsbLm5MAu4G-s7ORnEqaEACWk3JUrSUir-oOHRApg5_GrtaNxL1CObKZ_BN8bAScjchTF39b-W7aXPTzzy4SIbifFtUAFsGI/s1600/Longlining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFeJtywY59FRxnB6bWNeyh3KLuI85MRJj-by5E9n1fepGsbLm5MAu4G-s7ORnEqaEACWk3JUrSUir-oOHRApg5_GrtaNxL1CObKZ_BN8bAScjchTF39b-W7aXPTzzy4SIbifFtUAFsGI/s1600/Longlining.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Image from wakeproject.net</b></td></tr>
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According to the Galapagos Conservancy, tuna and marlins also are being illegally fished. The fishermen use a technique called long lining, even though the practice has been banned. The Conservancy describes long lining as referring to "the use of long monofilement fishing lines that can extend for miles, which have additional secondary lines and baited hooks extending down about 15-50 feet at regular intervals."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv13ZLcu4BDMjWFgXqMCvXj6BJ7zJH53-_XVaxi0b_wvP2AX21LxFtFeNvEjSiGT3xJHIS1LJj5F9beGEHqY9xWtCnCyUisyBUSvNsXPAXt3w90s-9skxwk4qi6ZAX7euUQd7knHk0CQs/s1600/sea+cucumber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv13ZLcu4BDMjWFgXqMCvXj6BJ7zJH53-_XVaxi0b_wvP2AX21LxFtFeNvEjSiGT3xJHIS1LJj5F9beGEHqY9xWtCnCyUisyBUSvNsXPAXt3w90s-9skxwk4qi6ZAX7euUQd7knHk0CQs/s1600/sea+cucumber.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Image from Sea Shepard</b></td></tr>
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The sea cucumber population already has been illegally overfished and is seriously in danger.<br />
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And these examples are just some of the most blatant.<br />
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Fortunately, the Galapagos Government and Navy, Park and Marine Service, Galapagos Conservancy and others are determined to end these illegal activities completely. There is but one way to end the practice and that is to find the perpetrators in the act and to stop them. Of course, that work is time consuming and requires a considerable amount of manpower to cover a lot of territory and open sea.<br />
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Until recently, just one airplane and several boats were dedicated to this patrol. Needless to say, because there are 133,000 square kilometers of open ocean, adequate monitoring has been nearly impossible and incredibly expensive. Spot checking was the best that could be accomplished.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiiGIabDTK8C5yBZ6j4dHYi6bCvQ9k3mEsejSR2zm3tLCYoDLZwtaTglsIcsSetECuLRyyoWGGWIVsYfHxQ-ldku4E_FrS5i75x1y0VZg0Yoy7LWAYfEx2WNnRYt_HCW7BH2oiPbFsE4/s1600/plane+from+Gpsuav.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiiGIabDTK8C5yBZ6j4dHYi6bCvQ9k3mEsejSR2zm3tLCYoDLZwtaTglsIcsSetECuLRyyoWGGWIVsYfHxQ-ldku4E_FrS5i75x1y0VZg0Yoy7LWAYfEx2WNnRYt_HCW7BH2oiPbFsE4/s1600/plane+from+Gpsuav.org.jpg" height="110" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagosuav.org</b></td></tr>
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Now, though, robots are coming to the rescue. The Galapagos UAV Project Tean and National Park have partnered to develop a fleet of UAV's to patrol the reserve. They will be able to transmit real-time images to a ground station, thereby reducing the man power needed and increasing the areas of coverage.<br />
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The best way to explain this is to go to the source. So, please look at this video which explains it all.<br />
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For more information, you might also be interested in <a href="http://www.galapagosuav.org/site/index.php?code=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this article</a> from the company responsible for building the UAV.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-85332793707506613102014-08-19T09:16:00.000-06:002014-08-22T10:14:27.674-06:00High Tech Galapagos - Not an Oxymoron<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfegqQ_qb9PtGF_Sa40YePQTmBfBelxKSb-LkyYOUkwtqPlEBqsgnmdMlE2HClqyE906HH1IcfHNb9x9PVi2AWB6t44JhkpcedF5BiLnoVc-jMaf9Ptg3ZLULPHZ27P-rxQkVacLL_vI/s1600/Galapagos+drone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfegqQ_qb9PtGF_Sa40YePQTmBfBelxKSb-LkyYOUkwtqPlEBqsgnmdMlE2HClqyE906HH1IcfHNb9x9PVi2AWB6t44JhkpcedF5BiLnoVc-jMaf9Ptg3ZLULPHZ27P-rxQkVacLL_vI/s1600/Galapagos+drone.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos UAV</b></td></tr>
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"Remember," I tell my guests, "Galapagos is not like other places." We don't necessarily have all the amenities of home. Wifi, satellite based, without the benefit of fiber optics - well, it's not always reliable. Fresh water - it's at a premium too so water pressure may sometimes be iffy.<br />
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What we can rely on is our unique endemic animal, bird and marine life that has been around forever. You come here to see preservation, not modernity.<br />
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Yet, there are some areas in Galapagos that are seriously at the cutting edge. And, scientific research is one of those areas. Sure, some scientists either must or choose to conduct their studies the old fashioned way by living outside in tents, tagging and counting species. It's hard grueling and hot work. I should know because I used to do it myself. We would literally stay out in the wild for months at a time cataloging every bird that came our way. Though we tried to do our work without leaving a 'human footprint' in our pristine environment and to protect the wild life in every possible way, that wasn't always possible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Short Eared Owl</b></td></tr>
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Scientists petition the Galapagos National Park Service constantly. They want to study our birds, insects, iguanas, lava lizards, mosquitoes, spiders - you name it - it's on some scientists "to do" list. To make sure that species are not becoming endangered, it's important to monitor the number of penguins around Bartolome, the number of blue footed boobies and short-eared owls on Genovesa, the number of albatross on Espanola. The list is endless.<br />
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And, it's up to the Park Service to decide who gets access to our highly protected islands and who does not. One criterion for who gets permission is the prospective study's effect on the environment. The more people who walk around the islands, the greater the environmental impact. The greater the impact, the more the effect on biodiversity. The more likely change will occur. The more damaging to the natural habitats.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Galapagos Drone at Work</b></td></tr>
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But now, here and in other locations, there is a way for scientific study to occur without ever touching the ground: drones. The Galapagos Unmanned Aereal Vehicles (UAV) project equips drones with cameras which take high-resolution aerial images throughout the entire Galapagos Island system. Without ever actually touching down on the environment and impacting the plant, animal and marine life, the UAV's view, record and document even more than can be seen from the ground with the naked eye.<br />
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Drones are essentially small remote-controlled helicopter that buzz about the land taking hundreds of photographs from all different vantage points and heights. The resulting data provides invaluable and exciting information for scientists and for us too. As the data is compiled, it will become reviewable on Google Earth as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUDSYtEaN19ZIx3291lVssHoM9FgwHkJ3-6R50Ze92y-1B14p0yDLxw40O-j4mTgGDlhcopV6jNS-pBqDV5N6UrAI4wLvHUDwQ6HjiORgZR7E1JptJ9_oraoTyWpqaYSWVehG79HpxaE/s1600/Plaza+Sur+drone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUDSYtEaN19ZIx3291lVssHoM9FgwHkJ3-6R50Ze92y-1B14p0yDLxw40O-j4mTgGDlhcopV6jNS-pBqDV5N6UrAI4wLvHUDwQ6HjiORgZR7E1JptJ9_oraoTyWpqaYSWVehG79HpxaE/s1600/Plaza+Sur+drone+image.png" height="75" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Compiled Drone Images of Plaza Sur</b></td></tr>
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In describing this project, The Galapagos Conservancy notes that drone photography "has proven to be extremely useful, cost-effective and especially suited to Galapagos ecosystem monitoring." The Conservancy explains that drones open "an array of opportunities for measuring and monitoring the environment." Aereal views in the form of satellite images have been available for a long time now. But, such imagery is limited to locations and mapping: what exactly does the shore line look like? Where does the volcanic rock end and lusher vegetation begin? What erosion is occurring and where over a period of time? Where is the ocean hotter or colder?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYjBkMTIDB0rbOuuc8ewmp3SXHa6TlEXn0150EPinBBz_qZwrxeA2gi8Dw7DkFJUTXtTwWemV9Q_-obzkjU817xq6S7s-UmLW-oveoX6PPVJqPqXYVXTYVyUBcjB07CUdoAaDK79xL3Q/s1600/Swallow+tailed+gull+and+sea+lions+on+South+Plaza+drone+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYjBkMTIDB0rbOuuc8ewmp3SXHa6TlEXn0150EPinBBz_qZwrxeA2gi8Dw7DkFJUTXtTwWemV9Q_-obzkjU817xq6S7s-UmLW-oveoX6PPVJqPqXYVXTYVyUBcjB07CUdoAaDK79xL3Q/s1600/Swallow+tailed+gull+and+sea+lions+on+South+Plaza+drone+image.jpg" height="173" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Swallow Tailed Gull and Sea Lions on South Plaza</b></td></tr>
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But, while satellites are great, one thing that they cannot do is monitor plant life or animal, marine and bird populations - but drones can. And they do this "with virtually no disturbance to the animals or environmental impacts" because no one has to set foot on the land mass at all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Waved Albatross on Espanola</b></td></tr>
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Plans are underway to use UAV imagery for measurements, population counts and other strategies to monitor our most delicate ecosystem and environment. According to the Conservancy, the UAVs will monitor how the waved albatross population on Espanola and the land iguana population on South Plazas change over time. I am soon publishing an article about concerns we have for the Boobie population throughout the archipelago. This type of research can greatly benefit from UAV photography and recordation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiB6eRJ0UxZso01R-koODZqLiXgAomVWblGTQqzGO77s6hHe0qFBzJhD9UHAr_7tXkmj4l8IMu8g3G11gzhla_7E6ZQO99CQoOkxcTBM1Q7-xCJswxgj-FbrMV3bpMT8pshtcp43dA1b7nQcnpgaccaHlXAXyb2Qz8CHQQfBIj14_BNWKxcPk7zLwQurU0GWK6BU-JgvjgPdA=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="media-viewer-candidate" data-mediaviewer-caption="Drones help create 3-D images like the one of Inka Wasi, an Incan palace." data-mediaviewer-credit="The Ministry of Culture of Peru" data-mediaviewer-src="http://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/08/14/world/JP-DRONES-2/JP-DRONES-2-superJumbo.jpg" src="http://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/08/14/world/JP-DRONES-2/JP-DRONES-2-articleLarge.jpg" height="118" itemid="http://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/08/14/world/JP-DRONES-2/JP-DRONES-2-articleLarge.jpg" itemprop="url" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Peruvian Drone Image</b></td></tr>
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In learning about the use of drones here on Galapagos, I discovered that the use of drones is becoming quite common and exceedingly effective in geographic research throughout the world. In Peru archaeologists are using drones to map, monitor and safeguard the country's ancient treasures at its archaeological sites. Not entirely unlike the situation in Galapagos, in Peru civilization is beginning to encroach on areas meant to be preserved and untampered with. Drones
mark “a before and after in archaeology” just as they do in environmental preservation. According to the <i>New York Times, </i>from the photographic record, maps are created and then "used to legally register the protected boundaries of sites, a kind of landmarking that can be cited in court to prevent development or to punish those who damage ruins by building anyway."<br />
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The use of drones in Galapagos is on the cutting edge of technology - how strange and wonderful that preservation of the past can be accomplished with the technology of the future.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Galapagos is <b>THE PLACE</b> for preservation of the species. Nowhere else in the world is so dedicated to maintaining a pristine environment, observing the rules of nature, limiting interference from any non-endemic and indigenous species and not only preserving, but also regenerating, the plant, animal, bird and marine life that makes our unique ecosystem.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When we think of Galapagos we think first about things that don't change. The lava lizards and iguanas that have been here and exist no where else in the world. Blue footed boobies, red billed tropic birds, Eagle Rays and Golden Rays. Creatures that have lived here as long as Galapagos has been in existence. We don't think of 21st Century creatures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s why when new endemic species are found it’s really exciting and important. Recently the Galapagos Conservancy reported the discovery of two new fish species, both believed to be endemic to Galapagos.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There’s a fish that lives abundantly in the Pacific Ocean called Scorpaenodes. It comes in many forms with different names and different appearances.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #575757; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For example:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scorpaenodes Quamensis:<br />
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<span style="color: #575757; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scorpaenodes Minor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvAKN5x2WZX_m8UY-IErooZzC16P9I5l56R7CTrlbWq_SS_Wf1Pj41PIbzzo5oUYgFmksa4b5pAu332ZbGkHvMFry_dUllQX3UpvgBkE0q6T7Neu-xL25LGUtFwG9FGxTjFdBO648dW8/s1600/scorpaenodes3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvAKN5x2WZX_m8UY-IErooZzC16P9I5l56R7CTrlbWq_SS_Wf1Pj41PIbzzo5oUYgFmksa4b5pAu332ZbGkHvMFry_dUllQX3UpvgBkE0q6T7Neu-xL25LGUtFwG9FGxTjFdBO648dW8/s1600/scorpaenodes3.jpeg" height="105" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #575757; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, the fish that lives in the rocky reef areas off of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Espanola and Isabela is different in genetics and morphology from all of them. Until now this particular Scorpaenodes species was unidentified and is now believed to be endemic to Galapagos.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #575757; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The other new discovery is the 2-foot
long Gobiomurus sp that inhabits the coastal bodies of water fed by fresh water
on the island of San Cristobal. This fish is called the “Big Mouth Sleeper
Fish.” This species is endemic to the
Eastern Pacific, and is found from the tip of Baja California and the mouth of
the Gulf of California, Mexico to northern Peru, including the Galapagos and
Cocos Islands. While we have known of
the existence of this fish for a long time, it’s just now that scientists have
confirmed its distinctions and likely endemic quality – and thus clear
adaptation to the Galapagos environment.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #575757; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">(All photographs from Moorea Biocode by Jeffrey T. Williams)</span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #575757;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Watch my blog and I'll keep you informed of news from Galapagos!</span></span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com0Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.8292784 -90.982066799999984-4.8908029 -96.145640799999981 3.2322461000000002 -85.818492799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595786393218647861.post-54772716193135298362014-07-29T04:00:00.000-06:002014-07-29T04:00:02.117-06:00Fernandina's Fish-Eating Snakes - Adaptation of the Species in Action!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cape Douglas</b></td></tr>
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There’s a place on Fernandina Island in Galapagos not many
are privileged to visit. A beautiful area for scuba diving and often reserved for scientists and naturalists, Cape
Douglas, located on the Island’s northwest corner, is more than a little difficult to
reach. It’s a ledge of 40 meters than falls precipitously one meter into the
sea and into an area of the Pacific filled with marine creatures.<br />
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Many species of Galapagos’ wildlife and marine life find a
productive resource-friendly home on Cape Douglas and thrive on its abundant marine life. This is the home to fur sea lions, Flightless Cormorants and marine iguanas. It is also
a location to see an abundance of endemic Galapagos snakes. These snakes were observed and studied by
Galapagos naturalist Godfrey Merlen who recently reported his findings about
some of the unique feeding habits of the Galapagos Racer snake. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since I was born and have lived in Galapagos all my life, I've seen my fair share of snakes. Admittedly, I don't count them as my favorite reptile in Galapagos. Then, again, I've never been privileged to see the fish-eating kind. When I do, I’ll probably see Galapagos snakes in a whole
new light.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Typical Snake Fare</b></td></tr>
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I know of course that our snakes eat lava lizards, little
iguanas, rodents and bugs. But, this fish-eating feature appears to be a fairly recent adaptation. And that adaptation is most apparent on Fernandina, the youngest island in the Galapagos archipelago. It should go without
saying that naturalists are a curious bunch and if you’ve ever traveled with me
you’ll know that I can watch an animal’s behavior for hours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Four Eyed Blenny Fish</b></td></tr>
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So, just as I would have done, when Merlen
noticed a snake purposefully making its way across a rocky ledge, he followed. What
he observed was remarkable. The snake stayed on the rocky protuberance on a
lava ledge while craning its neck out over the ocean itself. The snake struck
quickly sideways and retreated having successfully “fished” for a four-eyed
blenny fish. Having made this observation once, the naturalist continued to see many other snakes
engage in this peculiar behavior. He reports that at Cape Hammond (another
infrequently-visited spot on Fernandina) he’s observed as many as 15 snakes
investigating the water’s edges for prey.</div>
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The full extent of what scientists can learn from this newly-observed and clearly adaptive snake behavior is still being studied. An important question is raised though –
can these endemic Galapagos terrestrial snakes on the western coast of Fernandina be engaging in adaptive
behavior that will eventually lead to a new Galapagos fish-eating snake species? Only
time will tell.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For now, I’m going to continue watching for signs of this
behavior on my journeys. And I’m looking forward to the BBC footage of the
fish-eaters due to be released later in 2014. I’ll let you know when.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Follow my blog for a follow-up story about the
endemic snakes of the Galapagos Islands. Photos in this story are from the Galapagos Conservancy and Discoverlife.org.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469789133378118068noreply@blogger.com5Fernandina Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador-0.4123801 -91.482148199999983-0.6664326 -91.804871699999978 -0.1583276 -91.159424699999988