The Galapagos Islands are home to Darwin’s Flycatcher, Pyrocephalus nanus. It is known for the spectacular coloration of its vermillion feathers. The first time this bird was documented in 1835, during Charles Darwin’s voyage to Galapagos, is still a sighting that many visitors enjoy.
Geovanna Morales is a Santa Cruz Island artist and recipient of grants from Galapagos Conservancy. She uses a creative and innovative way to encourage the next generation to take care of this species. It has been classified as Vulnerable due to threats posed by invasive plants.
Geovanna’s art-nature project connects younger generations to the beauty of Darwin’s Flycatcher. She uses outdoor activities, field trips and public exhibitions to promote a love for and respect for the species.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Drawing and painting are powerful instruments for this entrepreneur, which transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, and allow the conservation message of the Galapagos to be spread throughout the community. She ensures that no child on Galapagos will be excluded from an exploration of Darwin’s Flycatcher and educational experiences.
Galapagos Conservancy supports citizen initiatives that are led by women entrepreneurs like Geovanna. They reflect the love and pride that Galapagos residents have for the archipelago they are fortunate to call home. Their actions also contribute to the conservation of its unique ecosystems, biodiversity and ecology.
You may also find these articles interesting: A species of Vermillion Flycatcher appears to be extinct in Galapagos. Is another species in danger of extinction?
©Galápagos Conservancy
Nesting of the Waved Albatross is an event that is highly anticipated in the Galapagos. The nesting colonies of these magnificent seabirds are located on Espanola island, the only place where they nest. They can be studied here and important information can be collected to help protect this iconic species.
Reproductive cycle and feeding
The annual reproduction cycle of the Waved Albatross begins with the arrival at nesting colonies in Espanola island of the males, then the more mature females, and finally the younger ones. The period of egg-laying lasts from mid April to late June. The first chicks appear in early June. The nestling period is long – the new generation albatross will not leave their nest until late December or early January. Their parents will be watching over them during this time. Albatross pairs do not always breed each year, but most albatross pair choose to. Average age of first reproduction is between four and six years. Some individuals return to colonies as young as two years.
Captured by ©Dana Carson
Each year, the Waved Albatross reproduces on Espanola Island. The process begins with a careful selection of nest sites. The female Waved Albatross will lay a single egg after a period called courtship. This includes vocalizations, bill rattling and dance displays to strengthen the bond of the pair. The incubation process is shared by both parents. They take turns protecting and keeping the egg warm and cool at night, and shaded during the day.
The egg will hatch after two months and the fluffy chick will emerge. The parents will continue to feed the chick with oily, regurgitated food. These birds feed primarily on squids, fish and crustaceans. They may also supplement their diet with food that is thrown away by other marine animals, like cetaceans. Waved Albatrosses are able to forage in a large area that stretches from the Galapagos Islands, down to the coast of Ecuador and all the way to Chile.
Parents also protect their young against natural predators such as the Galapagos Hawk and frigatebirds as well as bad weather conditions. After many months being cared for by their parents, the young albatrosses learn to fly in December. They then make their first flight into the sea once they have fully shed their feathers. After molting, they will spend several years at the sea before returning as adults to their nesting colonies to breed.
Primary Threats
The Galapagos Albatross faces several threats, which has led to it being classified as “Critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2018.
Climate change is linked to changes in temperature regimes such as El Nino. These events can decrease the amount of food available at the surface of the ocean for albatross. This causes the parents to struggle with feeding their chicks. The baited hooks of long-line commercial fisheries also attract the Waved Albatross, and this can lead to accidental captures and drownings. Albatross mistake marine pollution, particularly floating plastic waste as food. They can ingest it and suffer digestive problems.
Waved Albatross nests on just one island, Espanola Island. Changes to the nesting habitat can also be a problem because they only nest there. They are graceful fliers on the sea, but struggle to land or take off when trees block their nesting area.
Waved Albatross survival depends on collective conservation efforts.
Species Conservation Actions
Shared by ©Galápagos Conservancy.
We conducted comprehensive nesting surveys in June 2019, 2021, and 2023. These surveys provided updated information on the size and distribution of albatross populations, with an estimate of around 35,000 birds. While preliminary results indicate a stable population there was a significant reduction in the nesting population of albatross in 2023 as a result of the El Nino phenomena that year.
We implement conservation measures to ensure nesting areas are free from obstacles. We implement concrete actions through our joint initiative, the Galapagos Initiative with the Galapagos Park Directorate. This includes clearing landing and takeoff areas for albatross to ensure that they can access nesting sites throughout the nesting period.
Our work revealed a surprising result: the reintroduction on Espanola Island of tortoises has indirect benefits for albatrosses. By trampling and removing the vegetation, these tortoises tend to reduce the intrusion of trees, which makes it difficult for the albatross birds to land or take off. This contributes to better conditions for the seabirds. The Galapagos Tortoises have been recognized as ecosystem engineers due to their ability of controlling and modifying plant communities. This will ensure that the albatross population can land and takeoff safely as the tortoise populations increase.
The start of the Galapagos albatross breeding season is a good reminder to us that we need to act to protect this remarkable species. We must monitor the nesting population regularly, adopt habitat management practices and work with local communities and organizations to ensure its survival. We can ensure a prosperous future of albatrosses by working together.
Shared by ©Joshua Vela.
The Galapagos National Park Directorate reported that a nursery site was discovered for smooth hammerheads ( Sphyrna zygaena ) in a bay near Isabela Island. The discovery, made by Greenpeace during a recent exploration in the Galapagos Marine Reserve has generated significant interest in the scientific community because of the rarity of seeing smooth hammerheads at their young life stage.
The smooth hammerheads are found in tropical and subtropical water worldwide. They have been classified as vulnerable by the IUCN red list since 2018. The absence of a typical heart-shaped notch, as seen on the common hammerhead is what makes them unique. The environmental authority, with the help of scientists and strategic partners, will collect more information on this new shark nursery.
©Greenpeace
A satellite tag was successfully placed on a female sub-adult smooth hammerhead during this discovery. The tracking of her movements in the coming months will give important insight into the effectiveness and efficiency of the Galapagos Marine Protection Areas where this species is protected.
Dr. Jorge Carrion is our Director of Conservation and he emphasizes that these sharks are apex predators in the marine ecosystem. This new nursery represents an important advance for the conservation and survival of this species on our archipelago.
We fund research at Galapagos Conservation to improve our knowledge of the behavior and migration patterns of sharks, as well as habitats on Galapagos. This information is crucial for the development of conservation strategies, and it fosters collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate to protect these marine predators.
©Tommy Trenchard_Greenpeace
We honor more than 470 teachers this month who work tirelessly to educate over 7,500 students on the four inhabited Galapagos islands. They are more than just teachers — they’re guides and mentors who actively shape the holistic development and future generations.
In their work as teachers they do not only impart academic knowledge, but also values, social skills and environmental awareness. These qualities are crucial for developing a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to protecting the unique environment on Galapagos. These educators are essential in promoting the future of the Galapagos archipelago and, dare say, Ecuador and beyond.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Our education expert, Jenny Macias at Galapagos Conservancy said that we are committed to improving education and highlighting the importance of sustainability within our community. She said that the teachers’ direct influence on students helps to raise environmental awareness.
During a recent Galapagos Education District event, which brought together teachers and students on four inhabited Islands to play traditional games and celebrate their careers, the National Union of Educators and Galapagos Conservancy recognized the contributions of teachers to the development of the province.
We value their willingness to impart their knowledge and experience to students as well as the passion and ability of future generations to be inspired and motivated. We are committed in continuing to support education improvement and working closely with educators to build a future sustainable for the archipelago. Together, we can create a better tomorrow for Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Galapagos Conservation has a commitment to conservation of Galapagos species and ecosystems. We support projects which produce valuable scientific data to assist managers in making informed decisions. We support research and conservation efforts for the pinnipeds on Galapagos. Pinnipeds are fur seals and marine lions. Researchers Drs. Diego Paez from Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Marjorie Riofrio, both of Universidad San Francisco de Quito, assess the health status of marine ecosystems in relation to climate change. This research was funded by our conservation grants program.
Pinnipeds undergo annual monitoring and study.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The cruise is a vital part of the pinniped study. The cruise is also a good tool for monitoring and scientific research. This event will be organized by Galapagos National Park Directorate, Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Agency for Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos. This year’s Expedition was sponsored by the Galapagos Conservancy and Charles Darwin Foundation. The two-week long expedition took place between March and April.
Scientists and technicians board the ship Sierra Negra, owned by the Galapagos National Park Directorate. Riofrio’s aboard. He is a scientist at the Galapagos National Park Directorate. He visited 14 islands during his trip. He estimated pinniped population at 30 sites.
The team conducted an assessment to determine the growth of Fur Seals and Sea Lions. At each site, animals were captured to collect biological samples such as whiskers and blood. Hair, skin, nasal/rectal samples and other biological specimens were collected. The samples were collected to analyze the diet and health of animals as well as environmental changes.
Riofrio said that the expedition this year was held in the hottest time of the year and not during the peak breeding season for these species. She said that El Nino could have a negative effect on these populations. She said that “this highlights the importance of closely monitoring Galapagos pinniped, and understanding climate changes affecting the existence of these populations.”
The Importance of Pinnipeds in Galapagos for Ecological Purpose
©Galápagos Conservancy
The Galapagos Archipelago is home to many marine animals, including fur seals, sea lions and others. Their behavior can give valuable information about the health of the oceans around these islands. These top predators that eat marine animals and fish may help maintain the food chain. They can alert us to changes in the marine ecosystem and possible threats. The Galapagos eco-system and its survival are dependent on the sea lions.
Your support has a positive effect
Only you can protect Galapagos ecosystems, and help conduct scientific research. We appreciate your support and dedication to protecting the natural beauty of Galapagos. Jorge Carrion, Galapagos Conservation Director, believes scientific research is essential for sound conservation decisions. Galapagos wildlife cannot be protected unless we understand ecosystem dynamics.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The Galapagos Conservancy team successfully conducted 14 conservation expeditions on six different islands last year as part of the Iniciativa Galapagos Program, a collaborative effort with Galapagos National Park Directorate. The team visited the serene beaches in Santa Cruz, the interior of Espanola Island and the interior of Fernandina Island. They also explored the clear waters of Isabela Island. Each field mission had its own challenges, but the goal was the same: conserve the unique species of the Galapagos Archipelago.
Over 500 juvenile giant turtles hatched in captivity and raised there were the focus of many expeditions. In March, an expedition to Espanola Island involved the repatriation 86 juvenile Chelonoidis Hoodensis tortoises. This was a critical step in the tortoise’s reoccupation of this island. In the 1960s only 14 individuals remained of this species. The tortoise populations has grown to approximately 3,000 individuals through efforts like those made during this expedition to repatriate juvenile tortoises that were bred in captivity. The captive breeding program was closed due to its success. There are still 250 tortoises held in captivity on Santa Cruz Island at the Breeding Center, waiting for the perfect time to be released on an upcoming expedition to Espanola Island.
The 2023 expeditions were primarily focused on conducting the first comprehensive census of ten populations of giant turtles living in the southern volcanoes Isabela Island. The preliminary data shows that the Chelonoidis Vicina population, which lives on Cerro Azul Volcano, has a slight recover. It is estimated to be 5,275 individuals. Chelonoidis Guntheri however, only lives on Sierra Negra Volcano. The situation is still worrying. The team estimated that there were only 704 individuals in the population. These expeditions revealed critical insights about the challenges facing both species and what they can do to assist them in recovering.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The team also conducted a significant expedition to the northern part of Isabela Island where they searched extensively for the last remaining pink iguanas Conolophus Marthae in their restricted habitat on top of Wolf Volcano. They made an important discovery during the expedition: two juvenile pink iguanas and one subadult were seen together for the first. This discovery is amazing because introduced species, mostly cats, are a serious threat to the juvenile pink iguanas. The observations show that the iguanas reproduce, which suggests that management efforts could be effective. This is an important finding, given that the pink iguana population is only estimated at 250 to 300 individuals.
Espanola Island has been the focal point of several expeditions aimed at protecting the Galapagos Albatross, PHOEBASTRIA irrorata. This endemic species is emblematic of the archipelago and its entire global population nests on this island. They spent several weeks in June and August counting albatrosses on the entire island to better understand the size, distribution and trend of the population. Data from previous years indicated a nesting population of around 35,000 adults, but numbers on the island decreased substantially in 2023. This was likely due to El Nino, conditions that prevailed during 2023 and are now receding, allowing a population recovery in 2024.
©Galápagos Conservancy
A second expedition to Santiago Island was a decisive step in helping the endangered “Darwin tortoise”, or Chelonoidis Darwini. Only 1,000 to 1,200 of these tortoises remain. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified these tortoises as “Critically endangered” since 2015. This indicates the need for immediate interventions to ensure their survival. The team collected 169 tortoise eggs and 112 hatchlings in November 2023. They were then transported back by helicopter to the Breeding & Rearing Center, Santa Cruz Island. There they will be raised and reintroduced within five years.
The fourteen expeditions of the team in 2023 were a huge effort and logistical feat. The 14 expeditions of the team in 2023 were a huge effort and logistical feat. They also represented the ongoing, earnest efforts of the Iniciativa Galapagos Program to protect the wildlife of Galapagos at the most remote and difficult to access areas. They are committed to protecting the Galapagos ecosystems and they could not do it without your support. They are working together to preserve these natural treasures in Galapagos and ensure their protection and recovery.
©Galápagos Conservancy