The Galápagos

The Galápagos: A Natural History deals with the extraordinary islands that gave the world Darwin's theory of evolution. The Galápagos were once known to the sailors and pirates who encountered them as Las Encantadas: the enchanted islands, home to marvellous creatures and dramatic volcanic scenery. This captivating history of the world's most famous islands charts their evolution from deserted wilderness to profoundly important scientific resource and now global tourist destination. The Galápagos' rich diversity of species made it the cradle of evolutionary theory.

Its scientific treasures have always been explored in surprising ways: Darwin rode on the back of tortoises, flung iguanas into the sea and attacked hawks with hats in the process of his discovery. And its lessons are far from exhausted: recently, Darwin's celebrated finches have helped biologists to film evolution in real time. The islands are famous throughout the world – recognition that brings with it 170 000 tourists a year and widespread development, as well as bitter clashes between environmentalists and local inhabitants.

Now, more than ever, we must be alert to the significance of this unique location – because what happens here foreshadows the fate of threatened ecosystems everywhere on earth.

Prologue

1. Rocks   1
2. Ocean   17
3. Seabirds   31
4. Plants   47
5. Invertebrates   61
6. Land Birds   71
7. Reptiles   89
8. Humans: Part I   107
9. Humans: Part II   119
10. Humans: Part III   135

Acknowledgements   145
Appendix A: How to Visit the Galápagos   147
Appendix B: Friends of the Galápagos   153
Appendix C: Maps and Diagrams   155
Notes   161
Further Reading    185
Index   187