Map
credit: William Chadwick, Oregon State University
The Galapagos Islands is the most pristine and intact ecological system remaining in the world. It’s a living laboratory and a natural treasure. Formed by underwater volcanoes millions of years ago, the islands lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. 13 large islands and more than 100 smaller islands and islets are home to nearly 9,000 species, most found nowhere else in the world.
Imagine a place where hundreds of iguanas lay on rocks in the sun, sea lions slumber on the beach, birds nest on the ground and giant tortoises bathe in muddy pools. In the Galapagos Islands, this is not a stretch of the imagination, however, all of these animals are threatened by the thousands of street dogs and cats living in Galapagos.
