Recent discoveries of Galapagos Petrel nests on Isabela Island have sparked new optimism in the conservation of this critically endangered endemic species. This is a significant step forward in the protection of one of the archipelago’s most iconic seabirds. Their breeding habitat had been under constant threat for many years.

The team, led by experts of Galapagos conservancy along with rangers of Galapagos National Park explored possible nesting sites for petrels on the flanks the Sierra Negra volcano. This included both agricultural and protected areas.

A parte de un proyecto mas grande financiado por la National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) para mejorar los habitats de anidacion de las petrelas de Galapagos, los miembros del equipo buscaron a fondo nuevos sitios de anidacion y tambien exploraron areas donde se habian registrado previamente nidos. El equipo tambien evaluo las amenazas que enfrenta la poblacion de petrelas en la isla. Las petrelas excavan grandes y profundas madrigueras en los densos suelos volcanicos en las partes altas de las islas donde construyen nidos simples en los que ponen sus huevos y crian a sus jovenes. Generalmente estan bien protegidas en sus madrigueras, pero enfrentan amenazas de ratas que comen a los polluelos e incluso a veces a los adultos, perros que excavan los nidos y plantas exoticas que pueden ahogar las madrigueras de anidacion de los petrelas.

Active Nests and Encouragement Signs of Recovery

During their expedition, the team found 11 nests in the National Park. Three of them showed signs of recent activity, such as feathers and droppings. Petrel chicks were also confirmed in several burrows found on local farms, which previously showed signs of activity. This is a major step forward for the recovery of this species. No photographs have been taken of petrel chicks nesting on Isabela Island. This population is genetically different from the four other nesting populations in Galapagos.

Other farms within the agricultural zone also had nests, which were clearly evidence of recent occupancy. These discoveries are vital for expanding our knowledge of the distribution and condition of petrels in Isabela Island.

Domenica Pinda, the leader of the expedition and a researcher at the Galapagos Conservancy, was excited to discover chicks inside the nests. She noted that this discovery gives hope for the recovery of the species. She said that, while there is much more work to do, the results of this expedition confirm we are on track to secure the future for petrels in Isabela Island.

Continued Threats

The presence of invasive animals and plants was one of the main challenges that the team encountered during the expedition. The team found a high concentration of invasive plants in most nesting sites, including guava, blackberry and signs of rats and insects. Nests were difficult to reach in these densely vegetated areas. Nests on local farms that were active were located in open areas. Typically, these nests are in pastures where cattle and horses graze to prevent the invasion of guava or blackberry plants.

Look Ahead

Galapagos Conservancy will continue to monitor nests of petrels and work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate in order to implement strategies for controlling invasive species. We will also soon be conducting new expeditions on Isabela Island to explore potential nesting sites. This will help us better understand the behavior and needs of these seabirds.

We reaffirm through these initiatives our unwavering dedication to the conservation and protection of Galapagos Petrels, as well as the ecosystems that are essential for their survival.

Galapagos Conservancy is deeply committed to the preservation of the archipelago’s unique biodiversity. In order to achieve this mission we work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate as well as the local community in several key projects that address urgent conservation needs. We visited Isabela Island recently to evaluate the progress and accomplishments of our partnership, as well as strategize the next phases of efforts.

Protecting and restoring the Heart-leaved Scalesia Forests

We visited the Forest Nursery of the Galapagos National Park, which had been fully revitalized. The nursery is now vital in restoring the heartleafed Scalesia forests ( Scalesia Cordata ) on southern Isabela Island. This species only exists in this area. The nursery was revitalized along with a retrofitted housing facility that provides park rangers and scientists a dry, safe place to stay on site for the continuous monitoring and propagation the heart-leafed Scalesia.

The beautiful tree that once covered the southern Isabela Island volcanoes of Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul and other volcanic peaks is almost extinct. The nursery is now filled with heart-leafed Scalesia seeds, a powerful sign of hope for Galapagos’ forests. These plants are growing, which is a clear sign that our restoration efforts have been successful. They promise a brighter tomorrow for the heart-leafed Scalesia, and the unique ecosystem in which it was once a key component.

Tortoise Breeding Center Improvements

Our team visited the Arnaldo Tupaz Chamaidan Tortoise Breeding Center, located in Puerto Villamil. Here giant tortoises were bred to be reintroduced into their natural habitats mainly on southern Isabela Island. We evaluated the performance and efficiency of the Galapagos Conservancy’s state-of the-art incubators for tortoise eggs. These continue to function flawlessly, producing hundreds of hatchlings every year. The center’s infrastructure was also examined, and we identified the need for urgent roof repairs as well as upgrades to its electrical system. The improvements will be funded through our efforts and ensure that the center is a safe, efficient place for the propagation two species of Isabela Island giant tortoises.

Continued Collaboration for Conservation

Galapagos Conservancy, in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate, has made it possible to undertake projects such as the restoration and breeding of giant tortoises and Scalesia trees. Together, we work to not only protect endangered species, but also to restore the ecosystems that they call home.

Our director, Dr. Washington Tapia emphasizes that “collaboration is crucial for the success our initiatives.” Working closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate ensures a future in which conservation and human well-being go hand in glove.

We are proud of our collaboration with the park rangers, and we value their support in preserving Galapagos. We rely on donations to continue projects such as those on Isabela. This ensures that our efforts have a direct effect on protecting the fragile natural heritage. Galapagos, with your support, will continue to demonstrate how conservation benefits both nature and communities who depend on it.