Daphne Major Island is another notable island in the Galápagos Archipelago of Ecuador. 

Daphne Major Island is a small, uninhabited volcanic island located in the central part of the Galápagos Archipelago. It is situated northwest of Santa Cruz Island and is known for its significant scientific research and its role in contributing to our understanding of evolutionary biology.

The island is relatively flat and covers an area of approximately 0.3 square kilometers. Its landscape is characterized by arid, rocky terrain and is sparsely vegetated. Daphne Major is unique in its geology, consisting of two prominent volcanic craters that give the island its distinctive appearance.

One of the island’s most notable features is the wealth of birdlife that inhabits it. Daphne Major is home to a variety of bird species, including blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin’s finches. These birds make the island a prime location for ornithological research, and it has been the site of important studies on the evolution of these species.

Daphne Major gained international recognition through the long-term research conducted by Peter and Rosemary Grant, who conducted extensive studies on Darwin’s finches. Their research on the island provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of evolution, particularly in response to changing environmental conditions and the competition for limited resources.

Access to Daphne Major is restricted, and it is primarily used for scientific research and conservation efforts. Visitors are not typically allowed on the island to minimize human impact on its delicate ecosystem.

While Daphne Major may not be a major tourist destination like some other Galápagos islands, its significance in the field of evolutionary biology and its role in the ongoing exploration of the Galápagos Islands make it an important and interesting part of the archipelago’s natural history and scientific heritage.