Life in the Shadows

Land iguana basking

On the island of South Plaza in Galapagos, the sun is intense and shade is a precious commodity. The animals that inhabit the island, such as the land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions, and lava lizards are well-adapted to life in the equatorial sun. All of the reptiles that inhabit this island rely on the sun’s heat for energy, being unable to produce their own body heat like their mammal counterparts.

Opuntia cactus

However resilient they may be, though, the residents of South Plaza must occasionally find temporary reprieve in the few shadows available or risk overexposure. Seeing as there is very little shade to go around, several species can be found cohabitating in close proximity to each other and seem to tolerate each other’s presence well. The Opuntia cactus is the only vegetation that grows tall enough to provide the life-giving shade. It is also a primary food source for a large portion of its herbivorous residents.

Land iguana and marine iguana in the shade

The thermal balancing act and resilience of those who follow it are primary determining factors for which species can colonize South Plaza and succeed for multiple generations. All of the land-based residents here are descendants of castaways who have managed to carve their own niche into the ecology of this island formed by volcanoes. Those that can cool themselves in the water, such as sea lions, possess an advantage over their landlocked neighbors. What may seem inhospitable to most makes the perfect home for many other species accustomed to a life in the shadows.

Sea lion basking