Patricia Stucki shares her inspiring story in the Galapagos Archipelago. This is a remote place where biodiversity and preservation are vital. Patricia Stucki, a naturalist and chocolate lover, successfully blended her Swiss heritage into the rich ecosystem on the islands thanks to the Galapagos Conservancy.
Birth of a Conservation Passion
Patricia, who grew up in Switzerland near a cocoa factory, developed a deep connection to the world of chocolate at a very young age. Her passion for cocoa has guided her to an unexpected career.
Patricia Stucki began her commitment to conservation in Galapagos on the busy streets of Switzerland. She sold chocolates to raise money for the islands. She managed this initiative from Switzerland and it showed her love for the islands long before she became a resident. This unexpected encounter created a bond with this natural wonder. As a naturalist in Galapagos today, Patricia shares not only the beauty of the island but also the story of how the chocolate sparked her love for the place. This connection has fuelled her desire to directly contribute to the conservation efforts of this beautiful archipelago.
She purchased land on Santa Cruz Island’s highlands in 2010, with the goal of growing her own cocoa. Her love of cocoa and her determination helped her overcome initial difficulties. Her perseverance paid off and now her plantation houses over 2000 cocoa trees, each with their own story of growth.
Galapagos Conservancy Influence
©Galápagos Conservancy
Patricia says that “this trip wouldn’t have happened without the financial assistance from the Galapagos Conservancy Grants.” As tourism in Galapagos was declining due to Covid-19, Patricia felt inspired to expand her company. The Galapagos Conservancy grants enabled Patricia to not only plant seeds, but also adopt sustainable production methods. This has contributed significantly to the conservation of the archipelago.
Patricia is now exploring the infinite possibilities of cocoa. The cocoa shells can be transformed into chocolate tea that is served with cinnamon and hot water. The nibs are made by breaking and roasting cocoa beans. They are high in iron, antioxidants and can be added to granolas or cookies. The nibs are also transformed into a liquid chocolate that is molded, infused with customized ingredients and can be refined. Galapagos Chocolate is more than a delicious treat. It’s also a testament of Patricia’s commitment to produce high-quality cocoa chocolate in the Enchanted Islands.
Each cocoa seed that grows in the Galapagos highlands represents Patricia’s passion, and the bridge connecting two worlds – the Swiss and Enchanted Archipelago. Her story shows how passion and persistence can bring disparate worlds together, bringing Swiss chocolate to Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Our scientific research and conservation efforts are focused on the 12 giant tortoise types that inhabit Galapagos. We remain vigilant regarding the dire situation of certain species. The Santiago Island has 1000-1200 individuals, mainly males. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species this species is listed as Critically Endemic since 2015.
Transfer and Collection of Hatchlings and Eggs
Recently, a team of scientists and park rangers with the Galapagos National Park Directorate embarked on a trip to the giant tortoise breeding areas on Santiago Island. The main goal of the expedition was to collect eggs and newly hatched tortoises to be transferred to the Breeding and Rearing Center, located on Santa Cruz Island. This center has significantly improved hatching rates and egg hatching rates. During the operation, 169 hatchlings and 169 eggs were successfully transported.
Each egg that is brought to the Breeding Center is a step in the right direction for the conservation of giant turtles. In order to guarantee the survival of the species, eggs and hatchlings are transported by air. We can overcome logistical obstacles by using helicopter transport, which increases hatching rates and hatchlings’ survival.
Long-term Recovery
©Galápagos Conservancy
After they reach the size and condition necessary to survive in the natural habitat, these young tortoises are returned to their native island to support the Santiago population. It should take around five years. This is a crucial step in restoring the giant tortoise populations of Santiago to their historical size and range.
Washington Tapia is our General Director and he has stressed that it is more important than ever to take research and management measures. He said that, “similar to what was achieved with other tortoise populations like Espanola in more critical circumstances, we aim at outpacing the specter extinction, and contributing to the restoration population, thus assisting in the ecological recovery of the island.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors who care about conservation, the collaboration between Galapagos Conservancy, the Galapagos National Park Directorate and Galapagos Conservancy is a key component of the strategies of the archipelago for ecosystem restoration and recovery of giant turtle populations.
©Galápagos Conservancy
A landmark two-year study
In a pioneering study, launched in August of 2021, Galapagos Conservancy teamed up with the Galapagos National Park Directorate to monitor the migratory pattern of giant tortoises on Wolf Volcano. Wolf Volcano is the highest peak within the archipelago, at 5,600 feet. Three male and three adult female tortoises were fitted with state-of-the art satellite trackers.
The two-year study shed light on the behavior of these animals by taking into consideration seasonal variations such as rain, food availability, and Wolf Volcano’s extreme temperature swings. The study considered other biological rhythms such as nesting times.
Satellite tracking data is a great tool for guiding conservation efforts. The data paints a vivid image of how tortoises adapt to the varied altitudes at Wolf Volcano and relate to their surroundings.
Remarks from the Slow Lane
These tortoises migrate between nesting zones in arid areas and feeding areas at higher altitudes, despite their slow pace. The seasonality of Galapagos directly influences their movements, but climate changes are rewriting the age-old migration stories, casting shadows over the future survival and well-being of the species.
©Jorge Carrión / Galápagos Conservancy
The giant tortoises are more than just wanderers. They are also diligent gardeners. By eating fruits and plants, giant tortoises help to spread diverse flora on the Galapagos Islands.
Dr. Jorge Carrion is our Director of Conservation and he pointed out the domino effect that their slow movements have on the ecosystem. Darwin’s Finches eat parasites on the skin of tortoises and their shells. Tortoises also influence the structure and distribution of other species in the landscapes they rest on.
According to the study, tortoises living on Wolf Volcano are capable of covering distances up to 12 miles. Fascinatingly, males follow different routes than females. The males will go to higher altitudes up to 3,940 ft. and stay there for a longer time, requiring more food to sustain their larger frame. Females, on the other hand, tend to stay between 2,625 and 2,950 ft.
Conservation Implications
It is crucial to understand these behavioral nuances, and the ecological dynamics that govern them. This is especially true in an age of increasing human intervention and climate change. It is vital to ensure that these majestic creatures have unobstructed nesting areas and migration routes.
This study reveals the complex tapestry that is the Galapagos giant turtles’ daily life. It highlights their crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the archipelago, and emphasizes the need to protect the Galapagos ecosystem.
©Jorge Carrión / Galápagos Conservancy