Ecological restoration in Galapagos is often a slow, methodical process.
It is possible to remove invasive species square meter by sq meter. It could take decades to breed critically endangered giant turtles.
©Galápagos Conservancy
It’s just the way things are.
Ecological restoration can move at a faster pace on rare occasions. This will be the situation starting in January 2024.
The Galapagos National Park Directorate will, in the new year, begin the restoration of 13 species on Floreana Island, with the support of the Government of Ecuador, and in collaboration Galapagos Conservancy!
©Galápagos Conservancy
It’s true: Thirteen species of birds will be returned to the wild on a small island where they used to thrive.
List includes: Galapagos Mockingbirds (abruptly disappeared for over 150 years), Lava Gulls and Barn Owls. Also included are Galapagos Flycatchers.
The idea is that there is no such thing as an isolated species, and the more diverse the ecosystem, the greater the chance for all species to thrive.
This won’t happen in a hurry. There will not be a mass release of all species at the same time.
When it happens, be prepared! The restoration will happen quickly, and will be a unique island restoration experiment for the Galapagos Archipelago. It could serve as a global model of ecological recovery.
©Gerald Corsi
Isabela Island is one of four inhabited islands within the Galapagos Archipelago. It boasts the most vibrant biodiversity. The iconic giant tortoises of the island are being protected with significant efforts. These magnificent creatures are vital to the Galapagos ecosystems and biodiversity. These tortoises are important, but they face constant challenges in their quest for survival.
We are committed to protecting these giant tortoises as part of the Galapagos Conservancy-funded project, “Strengthening Responsiveness of the Galapagos National Park Directorate and its Management Capacity in Protected Areas.”
Our initiative includes the revitalization and protection of the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, located in Puerto Villamil. This is a vital sanctuary for these majestic creatures. The center was established in 1997 and covers two hectares. It is dedicated to breeding giant tortoises. The activities are successful because of the dedication of park rangers, volunteers and a conservation officer from the Galapagos Conservancy.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The Giant’s Home: Improving it
In 2020, the Center began its first optimization phase. We made major improvements to the incubation system and the juvenile tortoise pen. Our efforts are currently focused on improving the breeding pens. This includes the ramps, pools and feeding areas. These actions are aimed at providing optimal conditions for tortoises to breed. These improvements have made it easier to care for tortoises effectively while minimising unnecessary disruptions.
Specialized Care to Ensure a Sustainable Future
Washington Tapia our General Director, stressed that the Isabela Breeding Center along with the ones on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands serve as a conservation tool to help recover the most endangered species and are an important contributor for the Galapagos economy. The center is popular with tourists and local families.
When they return to the natural habitats, captive-born tortoises can play a significant role in ecosystem engineering. By dispersing their seeds, they actively contribute to the dynamics of plant community dynamics. This cycle highlights the close connection between these animals, and the health of the Galapagos eco-systems.
Vision for the Future
The upgrades made to the “Arnaldo Tupiza” Breeding Center are intended to improve the facilities and demonstrate a renewed commitment towards the conservation of giant tortoises. Every effort is made to keep these magnificent creatures on a path of recovery and harmony coexistence.
Galapagos Conservancy is able to protect and conserve the unique biodiversity in the archipelago thanks to the generous donations of our supporters and conservationists. Isabela Island’s Breeding Center has been optimized to ensure that giant tortoises can thrive in the future, continue to shape their habitats and become one of southern Isabela Island’s primary animals.
©Galápagos Conservancy