Google Maps has taken us into the Grand Canyon, to Japan's abandoned Battleship Island, and under the sea, and now it allows us to venture to the Galápagos from the comfort of our desks.

Back in the 17th century, Norway and black rats were introduced to the Galapagos Islands by whalers and buccaneers. Since that time they have become an absolute menace, by feasting on the eggs and hatchlings of the islands' native species. But now, in a $1.8 million project to preserve this precious ecosystem, the…