The GALAPAGOS ISLANDS are a part of Ecuador. They were declared a World Heritage Site in 1978, by UNESCO, to be protected for the enjoyment of mankind. In the Galapagos, there are about 600 native species of flora and fauna. In addition, Ecuador has vast western coastal lowlands, the central Andean highlands, and the eastern jungles of the Amazon Basin. Its capital, Quito, lies in a valley, 2850 meters above sea level, at the base of an active volcano, Pichincha.

FAUNA
Ecuador is home to 8 percent of the world’s animal species and 18 percent of the planet’s birds. Around 3,800 species of vertebrates have been identified in Ecuador as well as 1,550 species of mammals, 350 reptile species, 375 species of amphibians, 800 fresh water fish species, and 450 salt water fish species.

FLORA
Ecuador is home to ten percent of the world’s plant species, the majority of which grow in the northeastern Amazon, where an estimated 10,000 species thrive. The diversity of the climate here has given rise to more than 25,000 species of trees. Moreover, the Andes is home to an estimated 8,200 plant and vegetable species. In the orchid family alone, 2,725 species have been identified in the area.

NATURAL PARKS AND RESERVES
There are 10 national parks, 14 natural reserves, a wild life refuge and a recreation area which are considered natural heritage and protected by the goverment of Ecuador. They cover an area of around 4,669,871 hectares of land and 14,110,000 hectares of water, divided into four regions.