Santa Cruz highlands

Santa Cruz has, like all islands of the archipelago, volcanic origins; it’s young in geological terms. Magma has formed the surface and the world below. Subterranean volcanic gas eruptions have created huge caverns; where the surface has collapsed large and deep craters have formed. The ground is covered with lava, now eroded and broken into small stones; a fertile ground for the rich vegetation.

The cool and damp climate of the highlands is the preferred climate of the largest turtle species; the lush vegetation provides enough food for them. But outside the park borders they have to share their grounds with cattle and humans, dogs, pigs and rats; their nests are trampled on, their eggs and babies are eaten, fences cut through their traditional paths.

Without our help their chances for survival are not good