Galapagos Wildlife Ecology
Nothing inspires conservation in a person quite like time spent among the giant tortoises, iridescent finches, volcanic landscape and rich waters of the Galapagos Islands. The reason is simple. This little archipelago off the coast of Ecuador hosts a riot of life unmatched anywhere on the planet. After encountering the Galapagos wildlife, you’ll examine, explore, learn and, above all, wonder.
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sample itinerary
Your group will fly into Ecuador's capital city Quito. As you get to know your instructor team you'll preview your Galapagos wildlife and island ecology course, and develop a better understanding of what makes Galapagos wildlife so special -- and how you'll work to protect it!
sample itinerary
Today you'll get on a plane and fly to the famous Galapagos Islands. On arrival you'll transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where you begin to design your Galapagos wildlife ecology research project.
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Our collaboration with Conservation International begins today as you take part in an important biodiversity monitoring project. While camping at a private reserve, you'll catalog native and endemic species while learning more about the wildlife ecology of the highlands.
sample itinerary
Today you'll work side by side with representatives from the Galapagos National Park in an effort to help eradicate invasive species from habitat used by giant tortoises and other endemic species. You'll also learn about island biogeography and tortoise biology.
sample itinerary
Today you head down from the highlands to the main town of Puerto Ayora. You'll spend the morning monitoring juvenile Galapagos tortoises at the National Park, then you'll hike out to Tortuga Bay -- a pristine beach -- where you'll play games and watch the sun set.
sample itinerary
Today you'll visit a local high school attended by students from the Galapagos islands who have also participated in the wildlife ecology and island ecology program. You'll share the results of your research, then play soccer in the afternoon.
sample itinerary
You'll board a yacht and begin a four-day, three-night journey through the Galapagos islands archipelago. Each day you'll visit a different island, snorkel as much as possible, and really get up close and personal with the famous Galapagos wildlife. This will certainly be a highlight!
sample itinerary
Today you will say goodbye to your instructors, the Galapagos wildlife and then board the plane heading for home reflecting on your time studying wildlife ecology in the Galapagos!
Conservation Impact
Working side-by-side with scientists in the Galapagos National Park, you’ll help improve conservation efforts surrounding Galapagos wildlife for the archipelago. Projects address crucial issues such as species survival and habitat improvement. Unlike most student travel programs, you’ll work hands-on with tortoises, help remove invasive plants, collect important data and restore critical habitat needed by native and endemic species. In short, you’ll leave the Galapagos, and the Galapagos wildlife, better than you found it.
Academics and Education
Our 12-day program includes more than 20 hours of field research in many of the Park’s wildest and least visited reaches, plus another 40 hours of coursework and instruction in Galapagos wildlife ecology, tortoise biology, island biogeography, Galapagos conservation, art and journaling. You’ll conceive, develop, analyze and present a field-based research project using data you collect. You’ll even have the opportunity to snorkel in the life-rich waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and explore the archipelago via a live-aboard yacht.
Cultural Exchange
More than half of our program participants are from Galapagos, which ensures a unique cultural exchange opportunity for international students who participate in student travel programs. After each group completes the field research, students meet their international peers at local schools where they give joint presentations, share research data, collaborate and come to see Galapagos wildlife conservation from new perspectives.
