Island life with… MONTY HALLS

Following on from the TV series, the presenter and marine biologist’s new book My Family and the Galápagos highlights the draws and challenges of this unique archipelago

What was the aim of the book?

It was partially a diary. I always really enjoy writing about the girls, but the Galápagos are such an important set of islands. I think it’s quite important to write about the conservation status of the islands and the issues they’re facing. They’re a benchmark for the way we behave around the rest of the world. If we can’t get it right there, we’re in a spot of bother elsewhere.

Why did you decide to write it?

Gerald Durrell is a huge hero of mine. His book My Family and Other Animals inspired a whole new generation. I’m not saying My Family and the Galápagos is anywhere in the same league, but for me, personally, to travel with my family to a place that was so precious to me and to others, and to have the chance to write a book about it, was an absolute treat.

Why is the Galápagos special?

We throw around the expression unique, but the Galápagos is unique. It’s got the highest level of endemism (totally unique species on one site) of pretty much anywhere.