The reptiles and amphibians of Galapagos include the most notable endemic species, the giant tortoise. The Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands' giant tortoise breeding centers run by the Galapagos National Park and established with assistance and research from the CDF are by far the easiest way to closely inspect giant tortoises. The center on Santa Cruz is the home of Lonesome George, the last of the Pinta Island tortoises.
An afternoon walk through the central town of Puerto Ayora or during a visit to Tortuga Bay, both on Santa Cruz, you can easily spot dozens or more specimens of other lizards. These include the world’s only sea-going iguana, the ashen-colored marine iguana, and the much smaller lava lizard. If you stay in a hotel you may also see one of the nine endemic and introduced geckos scurrying about your room.
Marine iguanas and tortoises have been severely affected by introduced animals such as cats and dogs that prey on juveniles of these species. Giant tortoises were also one of the first animals to be harvested for food by sailing ships since they can reportedly be kept onboard for months without food themselves.
Native & endemic reptiles / amphibians
Introduced reptiles / amphibians
Native & endemic species
Introduced species
At risk species