Galapagos Sperm Whales Have Specialized Family Cultures and Dialects

Sperm Whales and Calf from CBC News
(Chris Bangs/Guam Variety News/Associated Press)

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. 

Even those observations, however, tell us nothing about how animals communicate with others of their own species. 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. 

In Galapagos We Preserve and We Evolve

Galapagos is THE PLACE 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.

The Mysterious Damsel Fish

If you follow my blog you know how much I love to treat my guests to adventures and give them unique memorable moments to remember. This passion of mine isn't limited to the land. I seek out teaching opportunities under water as well. One interesting member of the marine family we examine when snorkeling is the damselfish.

Take a look at this video from my YouTube Channel: Damselfish Providing Security Against Trespass.  

When we come across them on our snorkeling excursions, we put the damselfish's most interesting character trait to the test.

Frigate Birds of the Galapagos Islands - Great and Magnificent

Frigate Birds off of North Seymour Island

When they are flying above, Frigatebirds look like black beasts and it's difficult to see their coloration.  But, when they are on land, particularly in their nesting areas, they are really quite stunning in their stature, size and distinctive color displays.

Frigate Birds of the Galapagos Islands - Pirates of the Sea

On every island, around every boat, following diving boobies - it seems that everywhere you look in the Galapagos Islands, you find Frigate Birds.

You might see them following your cruise ship, or even sitting on the mast.

No Two Galapagos Iguanas the Same - A Photographic Review

Iguanas are one of the most ubiquitous and interesting characters in the Galapagos Islands. In reading my earlier post, you will have learned that they are the only ones who forage on both the land and in the sea.





But, here’s another very interesting fact: the iguanas on each and every island are different. They have adapted to their environments in coloration and size based on the available food sources as well as the lava rock on which they rest and camouflage themselves. Here, through photographs, are examples of the colors and differences of the iguanas on many of the Galapagos Islands.

Fernandina:

Iguana and Lava Lizard, Espinosa Point, Fernandina

Resting Iguana, Urbina Bay, Fernandina

Marine Iguanas Basking in Fernandina Sunshine