It was turtle of the year 2021.
Santa Cruz giant tortoises, with a dome-shaped shell, live on the larger Galapagos Islands with lush vegetation in rain-drenched, higher regions.
They are among the largest tortoises on earth.

Tags:   Ecuador Santa Cruz giant tortoise (Chelonoidis porteri) dome-shaped shell largest tortoises on earth

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The Galapagos albatross (Phoebastria irrorata). It is the only species of the albatross family that occurs in the tropics. Mainly on Isla Española.
Outside the breeding season - from mid-January to the end of March - the albatrosses return to mainland Ecuador.
The Galapagos albatross is the largest bird in the archipelago, with a wingspan of 240 cm.

Tags:   Ecuador Santa Cruz Puerto Ayora Albotros monument with poem the largest bird in the archipelago wingspan 240 cm.

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Tags:   Ecuador Santa Cruz fish market small young Marine Iguana

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Female, white breast, approx. 25 % larger + heavier than males
Males with red
Frigatebirds can fly continuously for over two months without landing. They sleep during this time and can travel over 400 km per day. They fly up to 4,000 m high.
Unlike their relatives (cormorants), their plumage is not water-repellent and soaks up water. They also have very small feet that are not suitable for swimming.

Tags:   Galapagos Isla Isabela Frigatebirds female + male Ecuador

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Female, with white breast, approx. 25 % larger + heavier than males
Frigatebirds can fly continuously for over two months without landing. They sleep during this time and can travel over 400 km per day. They fly up to 4,000 m high.
Unlike their relatives (cormorants), their plumage is not water-repellent and soaks up water. They also have very small feet that are not suitable for swimming.

Tags:   Galapagos Isla Isabela Frigatebird female Ecuador

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