When did cats get to Galapagos?

It's impossible to pinpoint exactly when cats first arrived on the Galapagos Islands. However, we know they weren't native to the islands and were introduced by humans.

Here's what we know:

* Likely Introduction: Cats likely arrived with early human settlers, probably in the 16th or 17th centuries.

* Purpose: They were brought to control rodents and other pests associated with human settlements and ships.

* Impact: Unfortunately, cats became a major threat to the native wildlife, particularly birds and reptiles. They are a top predator on the islands, contributing to the decline of many endemic species.

So, while we can't give a definitive date, the most likely period for the introduction of cats to the Galapagos is during the initial colonization by humans.