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From Safari Guides "Wildlife of the
Galapagos", By Julian Fitter, Daniel Fitter and David Hosking
(published in 2000) |
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* Be careful not to transport any live
materials to the islands, or from island to island (insects, seeds,
soil). You are not allowed to bring pets to the islands. |
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* No plants, rocks, animals or their
remains, such as bones, pieces of wood, corals, shells, or other
natural objects should be removed or disturbed. You may damage
the islands ecological conditions. |
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* Animals should not be touched or
handled. A sea lion pup will be abandoned by its mother, for
example, if she smells the scent of a human on her young. The
same applies for chicks of birds. |
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* Animals may not be fed. It may
alter their life cycle, their social structure and affect their
reproduction. |
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* Do not disturb or pursue any animal
from its resting or nesting spot. This is especially true for
birds such as boobies, cormorants, gulls and frigates. The
nest should be approached carefully, keeping a distance of at least
1 to 2 meters. If disturbed, the bird will flee and abandon
its egg or chick, which could be predated or die under strong sun
within 30 minutes. |
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* All groups that visit the National
Park must be accompanied by a qualified guide approved by the
National Park. The visitor must follow the trails, marked with
small black and white posts, and never leave it. If you do so,
you may destroy nests without being conscious of it (marine iguanas
nest in the sand). |
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* Follow the guide; stay with him/her
for information and advice. He or she is responsible for you. If the
guide behaves badly or does not follow the rules himself, report him
or her to the National Park. |
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* Litter of all types must be kept off
the islands. Disposal at sea must be limited to certain types of
garbage, only to be thrown overboard in selected areas. Keep all
rubbish: film wrappers, cigarette butts, chewing gum, tin cans,
bottles, etc. in a bag or pocket, to be disposed of on your boat. Do
not throw anything on the islands or overboard. It could end up at
the coast or the beach, or eaten by sea turtles or sea lions. A sea
lion may play with a tin can found on the bottom and cut its
sensitive muzzle. Sea turtles may die from swallowing a plastic bag. |
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* Do not paint names or graffiti on the
rocks. It is against the law, and you will be fined for it. |
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Do not buy souvenirs or objects made
from plants or animals of the islands (with the exception of
articles made from wood). Among such articles are turtle shells, sea
lion teeth, black coral. This is the best way to discourage such a
trade. |
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* To camp, you need a permit from the
National Park Service (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela). Do not
make fires, but use a gas stove instead. |
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* Do not hesitate to show your
conservationist attitude. Explain these rules to others, and help to
enforce them. |
