Galápagos Marine
About the Area
The Galápagos Islands lie nearly 600 miles (1,000 km) west of Ecuador, and contain a mixture of central and eastern Pacific faunas with a distinct Galápagos endemic component.
A number of rare and endangered species occur here, including the endemic Flightless cormorants (Phalacrocorax harrisi) and Marine iguanas (Amblyrynchus cristatus) which average nearly 50 inches (128 cm) in length.
Local Species
Amongst the species present in this area include an endemic Black coral (Anthipates panamensis), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), Waved albatross (Diomedea irrorata), and the Lava gull (Larus fuliginosus).
Mammals like the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), an endemic fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), Minke whale (B. acutorostrata), Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Killer whale (Orcinus orca), and the False killer (Pseudorca crassidens) also call this ecoregion home.
Threats
Human activities that cause exploitation of native marine resources through overfishing, increasing tourism and associated activities - pose a significant threat to these ecosystems.
Resources
Local Species
Amongst the species present in this area include an endemic Black coral (Anthipates panamensis), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), Waved albatross (Diomedea irrorata), and the Lava gull (Larus fuliginosus).
Mammals like the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), an endemic fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), Minke whale (B. acutorostrata), Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Killer whale (Orcinus orca), and the False killer (Pseudorca crassidens) also call this ecoregion home.
Threats
Human activities that cause exploitation of native marine resources through overfishing, increasing tourism and associated activities - pose a significant threat to these ecosystems.
Resources
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Upwelling
Geographic Location:
Eastern tropical Pacific Ocean around the Galápagos Islands
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Upwelling
Geographic Location:
Eastern tropical Pacific Ocean around the Galápagos Islands
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
How do Galapagos penguins adapt themselves to the warm temperatures of this region?
Answer:
Penguins have thick layers of fat and waterproof feathers that are well suited to their normal habitat of cold Antarctic waters. But Galápagos penguins have adapted to the warmth of this ecoregion by holding their wings straight out, shading their feet with their bodies, panting rapidly, and swimming to keep cool.
