The Galapagos Islands and many of their unique creatures are at risk from warming waters

The wondrous Galapagos Islands and its many creatures have always been sensitive to changes in ocean temperatures. But the significant warming from climate change in recent years has meant more pressure on the sea lions, marine iguanas and many other species in the remote islands hundreds of miles off the coast of Ecuador. As if that weren’t enough, non-native species are a problem on land — that means feral cats, dogs, pigs, goats and cattle. Experts say cats and pigs compete with the Galápagos giant tortoise for food. And feral pigs can wipe out a tortoise nesting site quickly.