galapagos

The Galapagos Archipelago is one of the most exciting and unique group of land masses in the world. Located about 500 miles from the Western coast of Ecuador, is consists of over 15 different islands, each with its own unique history. The islands are part of Ecuador's national park system, and with a population of about 40,000, they are a main tourist attraction. Named for the Galapagos Torotise, a huge relative of the North American Desert Torotise, the Galapagos are also host to one of the most diverse and wierd animal populations on earth. Some of the unique and sometimes down-right scary animals that call this beautiful place their home are The Blue Footed Boobie, The Galapagos Penguin, The Masked Boobie, The Marine Iguana, of course the islands' namesake, The Galapagos Torotise, and many, many more. Almost all these animlas accuire a spot on the endangered species list, due to oil spills, poaching, and mass hunting. Because so many of their animals are in great danger of becoming extinct, Galapagos and Ecuadorian natives alike work extremely hard to prevent any more slaughtering of these beautiful and unique creatures. To learn more about Galapagos cuisine, see the home page!
 * The Galapagos Islands [[image:http://www.ilankelman.org/flags/galapagosflag.jpg width="94" height="46"]]**// Flag of Galapagos  //