Galápagos Species Guide
Explore the amazing wildlife of the Galápagos Islands with real-time scientific data
6
Featured Species
28,861
Citizen Observations
3
Endangered
2
Vulnerable
Data updated: 2025-09-18 | Source: iNaturalist & GBIF
Marine Iguana
Amblyrhynchus cristatus
8,076
Observations
1,646
GBIF Records
2025-09-18
Last Seen
Key Adaptations
•Salt glands for removing excess salt from seawater
•Flattened tail for swimming
•Sharp claws for gripping rocks
Conservation Threats
Climate change affecting food sourcesIntroduced predators (cats, dogs)Oil spills+2 more
Habitat
Rocky shoresTidal poolsMangrove areasCoastal waters
Blue-footed Booby
Sula nebouxii
7,351
Observations
0
GBIF Records
2025-09-17
Last Seen
Key Adaptations
•Blue feet for mating displays
•Streamlined body for diving
•Forward-facing eyes for depth perception
Conservation Threats
Overfishing reducing prey availabilityClimate change affecting fish populationsHuman disturbance at nesting sites+2 more
Habitat
Coastal watersRocky coastsOpen oceanNesting colonies
Galápagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
1,685
Observations
0
GBIF Records
2025-09-16
Last Seen
Key Adaptations
•Panting and spreading wings to cool down
•Molting pattern adapted to equatorial climate
•Small size compared to other penguins
Conservation Threats
Climate change and El Niño eventsOverfishing reducing food sourcesIntroduced predators+2 more
Habitat
Coastal watersRocky shoresMangrove areasCool currents
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
Chelonoidis nigra
2,726
Observations
0
GBIF Records
2025-09-18
Last Seen
Key Adaptations
•Saddle-backed shell for reaching high vegetation
•Dome-shaped shell for protection in dense vegetation
•Ability to store water and fat
Conservation Threats
Introduced herbivores competing for foodHabitat destructionIntroduced predators attacking young+2 more
Habitat
Highland forestsGrasslandsScrublandsArid lowlands
Galápagos Land Iguana
Conolophus subcristatus
2,382
Observations
0
GBIF Records
2025-09-15
Last Seen
Key Adaptations
•Specialized digestive system for cactus
•Strong claws for digging nests
•Yellow coloration for camouflage
Conservation Threats
Introduced predators (feral cats, dogs)Habitat destructionCompetition from introduced herbivores+2 more
Habitat
Dry lowlandsCactus forestsRocky areasScrublands
Galápagos Sea Lion
Zalophus wollebaeki
6,641
Observations
0
GBIF Records
2025-09-17
Last Seen
Key Adaptations
•Streamlined body for efficient swimming
•Excellent underwater vision
•Ability to dive to great depths
Conservation Threats
Climate change affecting food sourcesFishing gear entanglementPollution+2 more
Habitat
Sandy beachesRocky shoresCoastal watersMangrove areas
Conservation Status Overview
Current conservation status and threats facing Galápagos species
3
Endangered Species
Galápagos Penguin, Galápagos Sea Lion
2
Vulnerable Species
Marine Iguana, Giant Tortoise, Land Iguana
1
Least Concern
Blue-footed Booby