Galápagos - Reptiles

Most of the reptiles in the Galápagos are endemic. Twenty-four species have been recorded in the islands from five families.

The giant tortoise (tortuga gigante, galápagos / Geochelone elephantopus) for which the island is named, is endemic. There are 14 subspecies although three are extinct and others are on the brink of extinction.

Of the marine turtles, the pacific green sea turtle (tortuga marina / Chelonia mydas) is the only resident. They nest on many of the islands.

Three species of iguanas inhabit the islands, all of which are endemic. The marine iguana (iguana marine / Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is unique in that it is the only seagoing lizard in the world. The Galápagos land iguana (iguana terrestre / Conolophus subcristatus) and the Santa Fe land iguana (iguana terrestre de Santa Fe / Conolophus pallidus) are similar in appearance, although the Santa Fe iguana is found only on the island of Santa Fe.

There are seven species of lava lizards (lagartija de Lava / Tropidurus), all of which are endemic. Nine species of Geckos also survive on the islands.

Snakes on the island include the Galápagos snake (non-poisonous), as well as three species of the Alsphis family and another species known as Philodrys biserialis. The snakes are not commonly seen by visitors.