Where to find unique fauna? The answers may be endless, but today we are left with the archipelago of the Galapagos (Ecuador), the archipelago that inspired the theory of evolution and natural selection elaborated by Charles Darwin in 1835.

Such an emblematic place is a source of constant information related to biodiversity and the environment. This week the news of the death of “Lonesome George”, the last survivor of the Chelonoidis Abingdoni subspecies of the giant tortoises that give their name to the Galapagos Islands, was known, as reported this week by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD). At the same time, GNPD has unveiled a new project that aims to eradicate rats, one of the 2,000 foreign species on the islands and considered among the most destructive species, so that the absence of this rodent allows Galapagos tortoises to reproduce naturally.

One of the most touristic places in the world, the 58 islets that make up the archipelago, preserve some emblematic species of fauna and flora, such as giant tortoises, manta rays or lava lizards, thanks to the preservation work carried out by the Ecuadorian government which, on the other hand, has been able to exploit the beauty of this natural area with great economic benefits. On these islands, 220 endemic plant species have been identified, 399 native and 119 introduced

Visits to these islands are allowed under strict control, with the presence of guides who, in addition to informing about the different species, are in charge of establishing the corresponding measures for the protection of the space.