A lot is at stake. Galapagos’ biodiversity-based economy, and the communities that depend on it, are dependent on protecting its species. Ecotourism, which generates about one billion dollars per year in revenue, is the main economic activity of Galapagos. It relies on the health of the unique wildlife of the archipelago.
Iniciativa Galapagos focuses on conserving native species and endangered giant tortoises. Our efforts are urgent because five species of tortoise are on the verge of critical danger, three face imminent peril and five have been classified as Vulnerable. We can help these animals and Galapagos biodiversity by restoring the islands and ecosystems. Effective conservation requires collaboration with governments, organisations, and local communities. Action must be taken immediately.
Top endangered species on the Galapagos Islands
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Galapagos Giant Tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.)
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Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)
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Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki).
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Flightless Cormorant, Phalacrocorax Harrissi
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Waved Albatross
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Mangrove Finch
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Pink Iguanas (Conolophus Marthae).
Top endangered species on the Galapagos Islands
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Galapagos Giant Tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.)
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Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)
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Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki).
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Flightless Cormorant, Phalacrocorax Harrissi
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Waved Albatross
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Mangrove Finch
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Pink Iguanas (Conolophus Marthae).
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Galápagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) ©Joshua Vela
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Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata) ©Joshua Vela
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Pink Iguana (Conolophus marthae) ©Joshua Vela
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Galápagos Sea Lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) ©Joshua Vela
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Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) ©Joshua Vela
Our Director of Conservation Dr. Jorge Carrion said, “We are proud to participate in the effort to restore Floreana Island’s ecosystem.”
The Genetic Mystery of Floreana Tortoises
Since the early 1800s, whalers have been hunting this giant tortoise in Floreana. It has now been declared extinct. Recent research has revealed that individuals on Isabela Island’s Wolf Volcano have genes of the extinct species. This surprising discovery could be explained by the fact that Floreana Tortoises were released in this region or abandoned by whalers.
Between 2015 and 2017 a dozen Wolf Volcano Tortoises, with the help of Galapagos Conservancy were moved for genetic research. This sampling revealed 19 hybrids with genetic descent from the Floreana original species. A breeder program was launched in 2017 with the hope of restoring this species to its native island.
Reintroducing Endemic Species
This project will begin in 2024 and not just focus on tortoises. The project will also introduce 12 other species which have gone extinct in Floreana. These include vegetarian finches and sharp-beaked ground finch, as well as large ground finch, gray warblers large tree finches vermilion flycatchers Galapagos mockingbirds lava gulls barn owls Galapagos Hawks Galapagos Flycatchers and snakes.
Prior to reintroduction of the Floreana Island species, introduced species will be tackled. This includes rodents, cats and other species that pose significant threats. It is vital to the success of this project that these introduced species are eradicated.
Over 300 tortoises, bearing genes from the original species of Floreana Island, are currently under specialized care at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Santa Cruz. This is to ensure their well-being and ready them for reintroduction to Floreana. ©Galápagos Conservancy
A Promising Future for Floreana
This majestic bird, the Galápagos hawk, which disappeared from Floreana Island, will soon be reintroduced.
Its role is vital in the ecosystem, regulating prey populations and maintaining ecological balance. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Galapagos National Park Directorate took immediate action in response to the alarming discovery that marine birds were infected with avian influenza H5N1 on the Galapagos Islands. They investigated the cause of the disease and protected the unique biodiversity of the region. Three bird specimens tested positive for H5N1 avian flu, prompting immediate measures.
Immediate actions taken
The Galapagos National Park Directorate responded quickly to the discovery and identified the cause. The National Institute of Public Health Research, in Guayaquil, was contacted to validate samples collected from sickly bird.
Biosecurity Measures are Implemented
Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Agency for the Control and Regulation of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos now have strict biosecurity protocols. Visitors sites that had afflicted bird species, like Genovesa Island or Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island have been closed. Tour operators were also urged to disinfect outdoor common areas, tender boats, and footwear for tourists who enter and leave visitor sites.
Biosecurity professionals carefully collect samples from a Galápagos booby showing symptoms of avian influenza H5N1, in the ongoing efforts to protect the region’s unique biodiversity from the virus. © Galápagos National Park
Continuous Monitoring
Park rangers, biosecurity agents and other experts are monitoring closely the nesting and habitats of endemic bird species such as Galapagos cormorants and Galapagos Penguins. Tour operators and naturalist guides have been instructed to increase their wildlife observation and report any abnormal behavior via a newly established emergency number.
Public Advisory
Galapagos National Park Directorate issued an urgent warning to the Galapagos Community to avoid handling any sick or dead birds. A specialized team was formed to collect any dead birds and dispose of them according to strict protocol in order prevent the virus spreading.
The Galapagos Conservancy General Director, scientist Washington Tapia is deeply concerned by the arrival in Galapagos of this virus and reaffirms the Conservancy’s commitment to provide support for the implementation measures that minimize the impact of the virus on this unique eco-system. Tapia said, “We’re on constant alert about this issue and have complete confidence in the Galapagos National Park Directorate as well as the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency in their ability to deal with this situation quickly and effectively.”
Trained personnel from the environmental authority closely monitor the birds of Galápagos,
consistently and under strict biosecurity measures. © Galápagos National Park