Galapagos Conservancy signed an important new agreement on February 3, 2024 with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition. This agreement is a step forward in an initiative by the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency and Galapagos Conservancy, to use molecular genetic technology to aid conservation efforts on the islands.
This cooperation will enable the development of genetic research of endemic and introduced species in Galápagos. Erika Guerrero, environmental analyst at the Galápagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency, will participate in these investigations.

©Galápagos Conservancy

Washington Tapia, our General Director and Jean Pierre Cadena of the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency were present at the signing ceremony. Also in attendance was Sade Fritschi from Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment. Tapia said that “Galapagos Conservancy will play a vital role in fostering innovative studies. We are confident that information collected, including the genome description of giant turtles and other iconic species, is going to be instrumental in optimal management and conservation for the archipelago’s emblematic species”.

This agreement promises several important benefits:

  • Precise Species Identification: The Molecular Analysis of Genetic Samples that can be exported now under this agreement, will allow the accurate identification and conservation of many species.
  • Optimised breeding programs: Captive rearing programmes can be improved significantly by identifying the best breeding groups.
  • Early diagnosis: Identification of high-risk diseases that affect endemic wildlife will allow for timely, effective response measures.

It will be crucial to make informed decisions regarding resource management and conservation for Galapagos that we can now analyze genetic samples taken from Galapagos using modern molecular-genetic technologies.

This initiative allows for a joint effort between Ecuadorian authorities and Galapagos Conservancy to conserve endemic Galapagos species.

Paulina Castillo, Laboratory Assistant at the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency, conducts essential serological analyses, underlining the critical research efforts in Galápagos.

©Galápagos Conservancy

Giant tortoise blood samples collected in the southern part of Isabela will be analyzed under the Framework Agreement for Access to Genetic Resources.

©Galápagos Conservancy

Imagine a world devoid of the playful barks, sleek forms and graceful movements of the Galapagos Sea Lions. These charismatic and endemic creatures are important predators in marine ecosystems. These sentinels protect the balance and health of marine life. Their survival is at risk, as they face many challenges including climate change. We can protect these sea guardians and ensure that Galapagos Sea Lions thrive, as well as marine biodiversity for future generations.

Education and environmental awareness: Empowering young minds

Marjorie Riofrio is a researcher and professor from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. She has spearheaded an initiative to engage young minds in this context. This initiative is more than just a simple rescue or protection action. Marjorie involves high school students on San Cristobal Island, in hands-on learning activities. She aims to cultivate environmental stewardship and build their capacity.

Collaboration for Impact

Colony of Galapagos sea lions relaxing at Los Marinos Beach.

©Galápagos Conservancy

This initiative was implemented in June 2022 with the support of the Galapagos Science Center, and a conservation grant provided by the Galapagos Conservancy. The project involved 42 high school students aged 14-17 from different institutions. They attended monthly training sessions. The sessions included forums, workshops and field trips to help the students better understand these Galapagos species.

Making a difference in the community

They also monitor sea lion colonies in populated areas. They can then apply the knowledge they have acquired and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.

The results are clear: San Cristobal’s environmental awareness has increased significantly. This project has helped to increase awareness of the importance of protecting marine-coastal habitats and sea lions. Our work is not yet done. We can reach out to more communities with your help, and inspire future generations to conserve our planet.

Young people with Marjorie Riofrio's team celebrating the success of the program "Educating for the conservation of the Galapagos sea lion".

©Galápagos Conservancy

Geneticists from Princeton, Newcastle University, Oxford and Yale Universities, among others, are currently conducting critical research on the taxonomy for Galapagos giant turtles, which is funded by Galapagos Conservancy. This international team is working to solve a 300-year old dilemma: Are all the giant tortoises that are spread across the islands and volcanoes of Galapagos a single species, or do they represent many different species of giant tortoises?

This question has been discussed for centuries. Tortoises are a relatively new evolutionary radiation. They arrived in the archipelago, spread over its islands and volcanic craters only a few million years ago (in evolutionary terms a “wink in an eye”) and have been there ever since. They may not have matured into different species. On the other side, some populations separated by oceans for more than a million-years have evolved into quite different creatures.

DNA

©Galápagos Conservancy

Galapagos Conservancy funds this research, because the answer to the question will help us understand how best we can conserve the Galapagos giant tortoises. How can decision makers decide where to focus their conservation efforts on tortoises when they do not know what species is protected? Many biologists believe that if all tortoises belong to a single species then a few healthy populations in the archipelago are enough to “save the specie”. This is a belief held by many today, and one increasingly shared by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. If, however, every tortoise on every island or volcano represents a distinct species, all of them should be protected, as the Galapagos National Park Directorate, and many conservationists, have long believed.

A team of international scientists published the preliminary results of their investigation in a recent publication. The title foreshadows the key finding, “Whole genome sequencing confirms multiple Galapagos species.” They sequenced the entire genomes of 38 tortoises, including some that were functionally extinct (using DNA from museum specimens). The team found that Galapagos tortoises could be classified into as few as 5 species or as many as 13, depending on how they analyzed the data.

The real picture, however, is much more complex than “one or many” species. Each island and volcano in Galapagos represents a distinct stage in the speciation process, with some taxa more advanced than others. Imagine, for instance, that an Espanola (small, flat and saddle-backed) tortoise and an Alcedo Volcano (large and round and migratory) tortoise have been separated for at least one million years, but are clearly two different species. Some species are still in the process, however, like the tortoises that are scattered over the large and small volcanoes on southern Isabela Island. They’re virtually identical in size, shape and behavior.

This study shows that Galapagos giant tortoises cannot be considered as a single species. To do so is harmful to conservation. This finding provides further foundation and justification for the Government of Ecuador to continue its efforts to protect and restore giant tortoises “islandby-island” and “volcano-by-volcano.” Such an approach aims to save the entire swath of diversity and evolutionary history represented in the giant tortoise dynasty of Galapagos, which together represent the highest concentration of tortoise diversity on Earth.

We celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, honoring their contributions to science and tech, and advocating for increased participation in areas where women have historically been underrepresented. This day is especially important in Galapagos because it highlights the crucial role women play in conservation and scientific exploration in this archipelago.

With the support of Galápagos Conservancy, Diana, along with her team of researchers, captured 3018 birds of 11 species at 17 sites in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

©Galápagos Conservancy

Diana Loyola is a biologist and researcher who has contributed significantly to the understanding and management of avian pox on Galapagos. Diana’s research with Darwin’s Finches, on Santa Cruz Island funded by a Galapagos Conservancy conservation grant, sheds new light on this viral disease’s impact on local birds. This work is crucial in conserving the unique biodiversity of the archipelago.

Domenica Pinda, who is a Bachelor in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources on the Galapagos Conservancy Team, shows her dedication to conservation of the island through her work. Domenica Pineda’s conservation efforts, which focus on sustainable development and eco-restoration, show her commitment to the field and desire to inspire others. My professional goal is to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable development on Galapagos. I am especially passionate about leading eco-restoration projects in ecosystems where direct and indirect human action has degraded them,” said Domenica.

Diana and Domenica’s inspiring stories, as well as those of other women, demonstrate the importance that women have in science and conservation. Their work on Galapagos is a beacon to promote a sustainable and equitable future where gender equality and diversity will be integrated into scientific and environment efforts. We celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science by honoring the women who shape science and conservation in Galapagos and beyond. They are paving the path for future generations in this important field.

Doménica Pineda, a passionate conservationist and active member of the Galápagos Conservancy team, fervently dedicates herself to research and conservation in the Galápagos Islands.

©Galápagos Conservancy

One of the investigations led by Doménica focused on the recovery of the Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz, where she has actively participated.

©Galápagos Conservancy

February is a month packed with history and festivities for the Galapagos Archipelago. This year, they’re celebrating two major milestones: becoming part of Ecuador 192 years ago and officially becoming a province of Ecuador 51 years ago. For the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, there’s even more to celebrate with their district anniversary.

Let’s rewind to February 12, 1832, during the presidency of Juan Jose Flores, decided to make the Galapagos Archipelago part of Ecuador, and called it the “Archipielago de Colon”. Fast forward to February 18, 1973, and the islands took another big step, becoming the 20th province of Ecuador, with Puerto Baquerizo Moreno as its capital. The newly formed province then created two districts, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, followed by Isabela later on March 16 of the same year.

Aerial view of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, home to nearly 20,000 people, who proudly celebrate their provincialization festivities.

©Galápagos Conservancy

As we celebrate these anniversaries, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on the impact humans have had on Galapagos and the remarkable resilience of its community. At this significant moment, we express our sincere gratitude to the Galapagos community for their tireless dedication to protecting this unique ecosystem.

This year, we had the honor of participating in the civic parade that commemorates historical events. During the event, our General Director, Washington Tapia, emphasized the importance of remembering the history of Galapagos. He stated that the archipelago is not just a place with unique ecosystems and biodiversity, but also a socio-ecosystem where over 33,000 people live. “Therefore, it is the responsibility of everyone to work towards ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature”.

As passionate advocates for Galapagos, we remain firmly committed to protecting this natural wonder for generations to come. We take pride in supporting the conservation of its ecosystems and recognize the importance of promoting sustainability. We believe in supporting local initiatives that prioritize both environmental conservation and the well-being of the province’s residents.

The Galapagos archipelago stands out as a testament to the beauty and wonder of our planet, reminding us of the importance of conserving its natural wonders for present and future generations. As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, let’s continue our collective efforts of almost four decades to protect Galapagos and its people for years to come.

Galápagos residents live alongside iconic species and play a role in the conservation of these emblematic animals.

©Marylee Stephenson

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.

Over 300 Floreana tortoises at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

©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 Hawk, vital in the ecosystem, regulating prey populations and maintaining ecological balance.

©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.

Lava Gull, to be reintroduced to Floreana Island

©Gerald Corsi