Nature has once again captured our attention! La Cumbre’s eruption on Fernandina island has produced a spectacular and breathtaking sight. After 35 continuous days of activity, the lava flow has finally reached the sea, covering over 6 miles.

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Since the 2nd of March, Galapagos National Park Rangers stationed in Canal Bolivar, northwest Isabela have used satellite data and seismic monitoring equipment, working closely with the Geophysical Institute.

The experts of the Galapagos National Park reported that the lava flows have damaged the island’s endemic plants and habitat of land iguanas. The experts also expect that the lava flow could have an impact on marine life if it enters the ocean.

Galapagos Conservancy’s mission is to protect the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Archipelago, says Dr. Our Director of Conservation, Jorge Carrion. “We are prepared to provide assistance, if needed, but we also understand that this is a naturally occurring occurrence and our primary responsibility to observe the changes.”

According to reports by the Geophysical institute of the National Polytechnic school, La Cumbre is one of most active volcanoes on the Galapagos islands. The volcano has had a long history of eruptions, dating back to 19th century. Similar events have also occurred in the recent past, such as in 2017, 2018 and 2020. Most recent activity has been ongoing since 2024.

Nature is currently undergoing one of its most dynamic and fascinating events. Galapagos Conservancy is committed to protecting the unique archipelago, including all of its special features.

Keep an eye out for updates on the ever-changing geological evolution in the Galapagos.

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Galapagos’ unique biodiversity is still waiting to be explored, especially in the fascinating nocturnal ecosystems of many islands. There are still many questions about two bat species: the gray bat and the red bat. Are these Galapagos populations of these bats really distinct? Do they fly from one island to another? We don’t even know the most basic information about them, such as where they prefer to live and their daytime roost.

A collaborative research project is currently underway between the Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Universidad Particular de Loja with funding provided by the Galapagos Conservation to shed more light on these fascinating flying mammal. The project aims to uncover the secrets of Galapagos’ bats.

Strategic Collaboration Unveils Bat Secrets

Since September 2020, the research team and collaborators of the Galapagos National Park Directorate have been searching for bats in the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Isabela and Floreana are also being explored. The team is studying the life of bats through the sounds they make at night and inferring their patterns of behavior. During their research, the team has solved several mysteries.

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The team found that after three years of research bat activity patterns are seasonal, and closely tied to insect abundance, which is the primary food source for bats. The team also placed radiotransmitters onto bats in order to gain a unique insight into their habits, movements and resting places during the day. Bats are found in an array of habitats including those that have been invaded by vegetation.

Researchers have found that bat activity peaks around 11:00 PM. They captured bats both in natural settings and under artificial lighting. The density of bats also varies depending on the location. The study showed a concentration of bats in the area of Colorada Lagoon on San Cristobal Island. This could be due to bats being attracted to water bodies where insect food is abundant. The large difference in males and females in both species raises concerns about the population status of these species, highlighting the importance of further research.

This study is a major step forward in the understanding of Galapagos Bats, and has a far-reaching impact that goes beyond science. In order to achieve this, a comprehensive training program was given to park rangers, as well as other community members in San Cristobal, which laid the foundation for a stronger and more efficient collaboration with the goal of conserving the bats of the archipelago. Tapia emphasized that “proper team preparation maximizes not only the quality of data collected, but also ensures the legacy of research will endure through strengthening local capacities for the conservation of Galapagos Bats.”

The Next Steps in Bat Protection

The research team will conduct a genetic analysis on Galapagos Bats after collecting biological and audio samples. This analysis will give a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity of Galapagos bats by island and their movement between islands, as inferred by patterns of gene flows among bat populations. The team also laid the foundation for a long term monitoring program using advanced techniques to collect data on these species’ distribution and abundance.

We owe our gratitude to the generous donors who made these studies possible. We emphasize the importance in partnering with Galapagos National Park Directorate who are our main allies for research and conservation. It is vital that we work together to preserve species like the bats on this archipelago.

The team, in addition to monitoring pink iguanas and giant tortoises that are endemic to this volcano, also conducted a survey of the Chelonoidis Becki species. The population of these tortoises has declined significantly since the 1800s, and they are now classified as Vulnerable. The population has recovered to approximately 10,000 to 12,000 individuals. The team hopes to better understand the tortoise’s habitat requirements and its role in engineering the volcanoes eco-systems by studying the tortoise’s distribution along the gradient of altitude of the volcano.

Technology for Conservation

The expedition team, as part of an overall strategy, installed a system of camera traps in the habitat of the pink iguanas. The team relocated many cameras and downloaded images to create a wealth of information for monitoring the activity of all wildlife, including those previously unmonitored.

Our team installed 25 temperature sensors at various strategic locations on the flank of the volcano to measure temperature variations. Rain gauges are also installed in different altitudes and inside the crater to measure precipitation. These measurements will help us better understand the climate niche that the pink iguana inhabits on the volcano where it lives.

Reflections on the Expedition

Dr. Carrion stressed that our recent expedition to Wolf Volcano was proof of our commitment to conservation. “We remain unwavering in protecting these exceptional ecosystems for future generation.”

Our Galapagos Initiative, implemented jointly with the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), works tirelessly to protect these remarkable species, and the ecosystems that they inhabit. Our team’s goal during this expedition was to gather as much scientific information as possible in order to guide conservation efforts at Wolf Volcano. Their dedication reaffirms our commitment to conservation, and our mission to safeguard and protect the entire Galapagos Ecosystem for future generations.

Few people are lucky enough to see a volcano erupt. For the second time within two years, Dr. Jorge Carrion, Director of Conservation for Galapagos Conservancy has witnessed first-hand the fury and majesty of vulcanism in these remote Galapagos Islands.

Conserving endangered wildlife among volcanic eruptions

Jorge led a conservation mission on Wolf Volcano in January 2022 on Isabela Island. The goal was to protect and study the endemic pink iguana that lives on Isabela Island. Jorge, along with other conservation officers and park rangers of the Galapagos National Park Directorate were searching for iguanas at the edge of the crater when the volcano erupted. The team was fortunate to be located on the other side of the crater from where the eruption took place. They were able to quickly evacuate thanks to the logistic support provided by the National Park, as well as the cooperation of the yacht, “Octopus.”

On March 3, two years later, Jorge, who was on a conservation mission at Wolf Volcano during that time, witnessed another natural phenomenon: the eruption on Fernandina island, the youngest of the archipelago, La Cumbre Volcano. Jorge was able to watch the neighboring island come alive with explosions and columns of gas, ash, and other materials.

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These experiences were more than just observing nature. These experiences serve as powerful reminders about the importance of conservation, especially in a fragile and dynamic environment like Galapagos. Jorge is the leader of the conservation team and he embodies all the passion and dedication needed to protect the unique ecosystems found in the dynamic and fragile Galapagos environment.

Conservation of life at the Edge: The Role of Scientific Research and Environmental Education

While the current eruption of La Cumbre Volcano does not pose a major immediate threat to any Galapagos Wildlife, it serves as a reminder of the constant volcano activity that has shaped this islands over millions and years, still can sometimes threaten species.

Our staff, such as Jorge, have the opportunity to learn about geological processes in these volcanic environments and their impacts on the environment. They can also educate the public regarding the importance of risk management and conservation for the fragile biodiversity of Galapagos.

We are proud of our leaders at Galapagos Conservation, like Jorge Carrion. His passion and dedication in helping to save the archipelago’s incredible biodiversity has also allowed him to witness first-hand the powerful and vast forces of vulcanism, which shape the fate of so many species on these islands.