Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

The marine life around Socotra is rich and diverse, but I am focusing on the flora and fauna on land. However, I had a short window of opportunity during low…


Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)

Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)

Socotra's biodiversity on land is undisputed and world famous, but it is equally diverse on the coast and in the sea. I am focusing on the terrestrial realm…


Fernandina lavaflow

Fernandina lavaflow

Looks like cow manure or perhaps chocolate mousse? Galapagos-0.265538,-91.44659


Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi)

Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi)

The population of flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) is limited to Fernandina and portions of Isabela, and is as a species vulnerable. It's an agile…


American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus galapagensis)

What a difference in behavior to the European Oystercatcher! The European Oystercatcher is extraordinarily vocal and territorial. Here the American…


Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)

Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)

The landing on Punta Espinoza is a wide open sandy beach amidst young lavarock, that looks like solidified manure. I saw many Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus…


Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)

Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)

Marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is yet another life form unique to the Galapagos. They look so prehistoric and alien, but when you observe them a bit…