The Remarkable Return Of 136 Galapagos Tortoises To Their Natural Habitat
In partnership with Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate 136 juvenile tortoises were successfully returned to the Cinco Cerros region on Isabela Island’s Cerro Azul Volcano. These tortoises were aged between 5 to 9 years and returned to their habitat. This is the only place in which populations of Sierra Negra volcano and Cerro Azul coexist.
The Breeding Center and the Natural State
The journey begins on Isabela Island at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding and Rearing Center for Chamaidan, where park rangers are dedicated to their development and well-being.
The tortoises are in the best possible condition to embark on their exciting journey home to enjoy life in its natural state. After being quarantined and dewormed as well as analyzed for their health and microchip-marked for identification, 136 turtles were transported by helicopter to the idyllic south of Isabela Island.
Aerial Support in Conservation
©Galápagos Conservancy
Financial support from passionate conservationists made it possible for us to transport these tortoises safely via helicopter. This is an important tool that has increased our capacity to move this species. The only other option would have been to move them by sea, and then on shoulders over several kilometers of challenging terrain and lava fields. It would be a very difficult task, which would require multiple expeditions and a lot of time. Your contributions have been crucial in helping us overcome these challenges and ensure the success of our conservation program.
Repatriation of turtles to Isabela Island is crucial in restoring ecological balance. Tortoises, which are herbivores in their natural habitat, actively contribute to the shaping of the landscape and the dispersal of seeds. These factors are vital in maintaining ecosystem stability. Dr. Jorge Carrion is our Director of Conservation and he stressed that we must remain vigilant as this species faces a threat from invasive species. We will therefore continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Future of the Tortoise Juveniles through Successful Re-introduction
This repatriation marks an important milestone in the conservation efforts in Galapagos. Our donors’ generosity and the collaboration between Galapagos National Park Directorate, Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos Conservancy have played a vital role in overcoming logistical obstacles and ensuring safe helicopter transportation of this valuable species.
This achievement highlights the importance of being vigilant against any threats to biodiversity. We want to thank all of the conservationists who actively supported this campaign. Your commitment and financial support is essential to ensuring a safe and balanced future for giant tortoises in Galapagos.
©Galápagos Conservancy
Galapagos also hosts over 30,000 residents who work, study, and live in this natural paradise. The island communities are crucial in determining the future of these lands. Most Galapagos residents are dependent on terrestrial and marine resources to survive.
Environmental education is the common thread that unites the community in its efforts to protect and conserve.
Galapagos Conservancy is deeply committed to the cause and spearheads an education program on sustainability that will change perspectives and actions for present and future generations. Over 7,000 students can learn from 450 educators who are trained in sustainability pedagogy about their role in protecting these islands. Environmental education is not limited to the classroom. It permeates every home, street and pathway. Conservation becomes a part of the fabric of daily life.
Galapagos Conservancy has a significant impact on the world beyond classrooms through its grants for conservation. It supports local projects and initiatives that aim to pioneer the protection of this unique eco-system. This community collaboration, which includes 135 projects on the islands, serves as a link between the locals and their natural heritage. It also highlights the diversity and commitment of the efforts to protect Galapagos.
We are extending an invitation to action today. Your support and participation in this collective effort for a sustainable tomorrow is needed by the Galapagos Archipelago. Your contribution strengthens the bonds between the community and conservation. Each sustainable practice that you implement in your community makes the future of our planet brighter. You can help protect biodiversity and beauty by joining Galapagos Conservancy. Your participation in this journey towards a future in which the Galapagos Archipelago is in its full splendor, is crucial.
We can continue to amaze and inspire future generations with the help of the unwavering community commitment and your invaluable support.
The entire archipelago suffers as the temperature and nutrients levels in the waters of Galapagos fluctuate. El Niño’s warm spell is bad for marine life that thrives under the cooler conditions of the Humboldt. Sea lions and boobies are among the animals that struggle to find food. They often give up breeding and extend their range to search for food.
The warm seas evaporate more water, increasing the amount of rain on the usually dry and hot archipelago. The influx of rainfall in Galapagos has profound effects on the land. Rain triggers a far greater productivity of land and alleviates the usual drought conditions in Galapagos. The rain triggers a surge in plant growth, insect proliferation, and many wildlife types double or triple their reproduction.
El Niño, a natural phenomenon that occurs every 2-7 year, has increased in intensity since the end of the 20th century. This may be due to greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans, but this direct cause is not yet confirmed. We can only watch as it unfolds, but we know that Galapagos is going to face many challenges. Galapagos faces many challenges, including heavy rainfall, warm unproductive waters, and sea-level rises such as the 45 centimeters in 1997-1998.
We support many efforts in the archipelago, helping both wildlife and humans adapt to El Niño. This includes assisting municipalities with impending infrastructure threats, anticipating increased invasive species controls on land, as well as preparing for the recovery of coral reefs. We can only continue this vital work with your support.
Please accept my sincere thanks
Galapagos Conservancy received recognition during the donation ceremony, for its commitment to the long-term conservation and protection of the Galapagos ecosystem and species. Our President, Dr. James Gibbs received an honorary badge in recognition of his outstanding contribution to biosecurity from the Agency of Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation. This event highlighted not only the importance of collaboration between organizations and local government, but also Galapagos Conservancy’s crucial role in the archipelago. It also emphasized the vital link between teamwork and institutional support and the conservation and biodiversity of Galapagos.
Innovative Microchips Improve Pet Management
©Galápagos Conservancy
Microchips, despite their small size, are highly effective at providing unique and permanent identification for pets. These microchips, which are usually implanted beneath the skin of the neck or nape, do not harm or cause pain to animals. These chips store an electronic unique identification number which can be read by a radio-frequency identification (RFID scanner). This technology securely links the animal with its owner’s information and its identity.
Washington Tapia has highlighted the importance of this contribution. He said: “This initiative will help improve the proper management for domestic cats and dogs on the populated island and protect our unique biodiversity.” This donation is an important step in addressing the issue of stray cats and dogs interacting with native species.
Positive Impact on Urban Coexistence and Conservation
Donating microchips has many benefits. They not only improve the health of communities, but they also benefit wildlife and local communities in Galapagos. Microchips help to speed up the reunion between lost pets and their owners. This reduces stress for both animals and owners.
These devices are more effective in management because they provide vital information for monitoring stray animals and sterilization campaigns. A microchipped animal may also discourage owners from abandoning animals and encourage more responsible care.
The microchip is essential to ensure pet ownership laws are adhered to. Microchips help to adhere to the existing rules and create a more orderly and respectful urban environment. They also improve the quality of our pets’ lives and their well-being.
Microchips will help improve the management and control of Galapagos animals. According to the Agency of Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation of Galapagos a comprehensive pet census is currently underway in each of the province’s cantons. All pets must be microchipped in order to prevent inter-island travel and the illegal importation of dogs and cat into Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands: A Sustainable Alternative
We are committed towards sustainability, conservation of iconic species and support for institutions that help manage the Galapagos Archipelago. The importance of collaboration is illustrated by our recent donation to the Galapagos Biosecurity Regulation Agency. Galapagos Conservancy aims to foster harmonious coexistence of humans and the incredible wildlife on this archipelago.
©Galápagos Conservancy
A species of flycatcher appears to be extinct in Galapagos. Is another species in danger of extinction?
Scientists comparing genes of the so-called “Vermilion flycatchers” in Galapagos seven years ago realized that they were looking at two different species. The birds in question were not the Vermilion flycatchers ( Pyrocephalus obscure), which are common throughout the Americas. They were of a completely different species.
Experts soon discovered that one of the newly recognized species had not been seen in its native island of San Cristobal for decades. San Cristobal Flycatchers ( Pyrocephalus dubus ) have been declared extinct, though there are still reports of sightings.
©Agustin Gutiérrez
Black rats devour the eggs of birds, while parasitic avian vampire flies (em>Philornis downsi/em>) feed on the blood of chicks in nests. The larvae of the parasitic vampire fly ( Philornis Downsi ) feed on blood from the chicks that survive the hatching process. Introduced blackberry plants are choking out the native species on which this brightly colored bird relies for survival.
Galapagos Conservancy has been working with our partners, the Galapagos National Park Directorate, and other strategic partners to combat these threats. The results have been promising.
Scientists offer nesting material that is “self-fumigating”, treated with insecticides, to eliminate parasites in bird nests. Traps have also been placed throughout the archipelago in order to catch adult flies and prevent them from reproducing. Conservationists also work to reduce blackberry thickets, and restore native habitats.
The efforts are paying off. Twelve chicks have been born this year on Santa Cruz Island, a remarkable achievement considering that only 15 Galapagos flycatcher breeding pairs remain on the island. This was an important milestone for the bird.
Together with the Galapagos National Park Directorate we now support the expansion of this effort onto the other island where this unique specie is found. We hope to secure a better future for these stunning flycatchers, and the unique eco-systems that support their existence.
©Paul Salaman
A Remarkable Discovery
©Joshua Vela
Scientists from the Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate discovered Fernanda in 2019. The initial excitement was temper with caution as genetic tests would be needed to confirm the species.
The geneticists at Yale University led by Dr. Gisella Caccone performed the analysis. The DNA of Fernanda matched the only other giant tortoise found on Fernandina Island, which was killed in 1906 by scientists and stored in a museum ever since. This confirmation led to a large-scale and immediate response to find a male partner for Fernanda in order to revive the almost extinct species.
The Quest for Survival
Galapagos National Park Directorate, and Galapagos Conservancy, were energized by this scientific confirmation. They organized ambitious expeditions in order to find additional tortoises. Scientists, rangers and volunteers searched the island despite its challenging terrain, which is dominated by a volcano. Even aerial support was mobilized to explore terrains that were inaccessible. No other tortoises were found.
Conservation Dilemma
Fernanda’s discovery gave hope, but the fact that no other animals of her kind have been found highlights the tragedy facing many species. Fernanda is currently housed at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Santa Cruz. She serves as a symbol of both hope and urgency in conservation efforts.
Danny Rueda Cordova said, “We want to avoid Lonesome George’s fate,” referring the the last Pinta tortoise that died in 2012. It left no offspring. Fernanda needs a companion to avoid another heartbreaking loss.
The case of Fernanda – the presumed lone Fernandina tortoise surviving – encapsulates both the moral and complex challenges of modern conservation. Her survival in spite of all odds is a glimmering hope. However, the fact that no other members of the species have been found underscores how urgent and complex the work ahead will be. Fernanda is a powerful reminder of nature’s fragility and resilience. Her existence fuels efforts to preserve not only her species, but also the ecosystem in which she lives.