Scientists and nature enthusiasts have been fascinated by the Galapagos giant turtles, symbols of this archipelago for centuries. Tortoises are known for their size and longevity. They can live up to a century and weigh more than 550 pounds. Their relaxed demeanor is a testament to their importance.

A landmark two-year study

In a pioneering study, launched in August of 2021, Galapagos Conservancy teamed up with the Galapagos National Park Directorate to monitor the migratory pattern of giant tortoises on Wolf Volcano. Wolf Volcano is the highest peak within the archipelago, at 5,600 feet. Three male and three adult female tortoises were fitted with state-of-the art satellite trackers.

The two-year study shed light on the behavior of these animals by taking into consideration seasonal variations such as rain, food availability, and Wolf Volcano’s extreme temperature swings. The study considered other biological rhythms such as nesting times.

Satellite tracking data is a great tool for guiding conservation efforts. The data paints a vivid image of how tortoises adapt to the varied altitudes at Wolf Volcano and relate to their surroundings.

Remarks from the Slow Lane

These tortoises migrate between nesting zones in arid areas and feeding areas at higher altitudes, despite their slow pace. The seasonality of Galapagos directly influences their movements, but climate changes are rewriting the age-old migration stories, casting shadows over the future survival and well-being of the species.

A giant tortoise of the Chelonoidis becki species found at the summit of Wolf Volcano, 5,600 feet above sea level.

©Jorge Carrión / Galápagos Conservancy

The giant tortoises are more than just wanderers. They are also diligent gardeners. By eating fruits and plants, giant tortoises help to spread diverse flora on the Galapagos Islands.

Dr. Jorge Carrion is our Director of Conservation and he pointed out the domino effect that their slow movements have on the ecosystem. Darwin’s Finches eat parasites on the skin of tortoises and their shells. Tortoises also influence the structure and distribution of other species in the landscapes they rest on.

According to the study, tortoises living on Wolf Volcano are capable of covering distances up to 12 miles. Fascinatingly, males follow different routes than females. The males will go to higher altitudes up to 3,940 ft. and stay there for a longer time, requiring more food to sustain their larger frame. Females, on the other hand, tend to stay between 2,625 and 2,950 ft.

Conservation Implications

It is crucial to understand these behavioral nuances, and the ecological dynamics that govern them. This is especially true in an age of increasing human intervention and climate change. It is vital to ensure that these majestic creatures have unobstructed nesting areas and migration routes.

This study reveals the complex tapestry that is the Galapagos giant turtles’ daily life. It highlights their crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the archipelago, and emphasizes the need to protect the Galapagos ecosystem.

Movement dynamics of female and male tortoises on Wolf Volcano along the altitudinal gradient over two years.

©Jorge Carrión / Galápagos Conservancy

Invasive ants are a silent, but deadly threat to the Galapagos Archipelago. The invasive ants disrupt the fragile ecological balance and threaten the rare and vulnerable species of the Galapagos Archipelago in protected areas. They also have an adverse impact on the economic sectors.

Context and Challenge

According to research funded by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park Directorate, 22 ant species were introduced to the Galapagos Islands. These included the big-headed ant and the deadly flame ant. Both are listed among the top 100 invasive exotic species around the world. These insects are a threat to birds, plants and invertebrates. They also pose a danger to nesting areas of giant tortoises. They also have a significant impact on local economies, as they pose serious challenges to agriculture.

In order to address this issue and to strengthen conservation efforts, the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control Agency ABG (the Galapagos health authority) has committed to financial support. The ABG aims to control and prevent invasive species and develop effective management techniques for urban, agricultural, and rural areas. They also aim to prevent the introduction and spread of new species such as ants.

Control and Monitoring Strategies

Biosecurity agents patrol strategic areas like docks, markets and waste collection centers. They use baits such as sausages, peanutbutter, tuna and honey to attract and detect ants. The ants collected are then analyzed to determine whether they are a new species. These data are crucial for the implementation of control measures in agricultural and urban areas. In addition, farmers are involved in field interventions to control ant populations and protect crops. To simplify the identification and control of ants, a digital catalog will be created. This will provide technicians and producers with accurate tools and timely information to address these threats.

Alliance Against Invasion Tackling the Ant Threat in Galapagos

Ronal Azuero, Biosecurity Agent of the Agency for Regulation and Control of Biodiversity and Quarantine for Galápagos (ABG), shares knowledge with local farmers and producers, guiding them in the effective application of products to combat invasive ants. ©Galápagos Conservancy

Uniting Forces for the Future

Marilyn Cruz, executive director of the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency explains that fighting invasive species requires strategic alliances. We are grateful for the Galapagos Conservancy’s invaluable support, which improves our prevention control and eradication efforts. Together, we protect this World Natural Heritage Site,” she highlighted.

This initiative is crucial not only to preserve the unique Galapagos ecosystems but also to ensure a sustainable future, especially in agriculture and tourism. According to Dr. Jorge Carrion from our Conservation Department, ants are an invasive species which threatens the ecological stability of the archipelago and impacts agricultural production. He said that ant colonies can directly harm the eggs of giant turtles. The hatchlings of these tortoises are also vulnerable to ants. This has led to the death of many young turtles.

We commend the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control Agency on their persistence and dedication in reducing the impact of invasive species. This collaborative, united approach shows how we can protect local economies and, most importantly, conserve Galapagos’ natural heritage for future generations by working together.

Alliance Against Invasion Tackling the Ant Threat in Galapagos

In the laboratory, experts meticulously examine ants collected during interventions by Biosecurity Agents. Accurate species identification is essential to develop effective control strategies. ©Galápagos Conservancy

Galapagos Conservancy announces the approval and funding for 26 innovative projects as part of the fifth round of its conservation grant program. These initiatives, led both by community members and organizations from the Galapagos, can make a significant contribution to both environmental conservation and the socioeconomic development for Galapagos residents. These projects, from sustainable agricultural practices, to the establishment in Floreana of a library for community members, to an entrepreneurial bootcamp for women, are a step toward a future which balances environmental stewardship and social equity. They highlight Galapagos Conservancy’s commitment to pioneering innovative sustainable solutions.

Promoting Responsible Socioeconomic Growth

These initiatives demonstrate a wide range of conservation strategies. Some of these initiatives are directed at conservation efforts, especially those that are led by local groups, while others aim to engage youth through interactive environmental education. These projects aim to inspire a lifetime commitment to environmental stewardship in the next generations. A number of projects aim to increase local production and consumption, and promote sustainable living and healthier lifestyles. This multifaceted approach reflects the innovative and diverse strategies used to meet Galapagos’ unique conservation and sustainability issues.

New Chapter in Conservation Sustainability

Luis Sánchez, a recipient of our conservation grants, leads groundbreaking fungal research on Santa Cruz Island, crucial for environmental management. ©Galápagos Conservancy

Commitment and financial investment

Amy Doherty revealed that more than $500,000 had been allocated to 26 new local initiatives as part of this important fifth grant round. Amy Doherty, our Vice President of Operations, revealed that over $500,000 has been allocated to these 26 new local initiatives in this important fifth round of grants. Since the launch of the program in 2021 we have invested almost $5 million into local initiatives that focus on conservation and sustainable development in the archipelago. Amy stated that this latest round of funding “reaffirms the unwavering commitment we have to the prosperity of Galapagos and its ecological integrity.”

Galapagos Conservancy is proud to have supported 161 projects since 2021 on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Isabela has also been supported, as well as Floreana. These initiatives, led by women who are inspiring, entrepreneurs and local institutions, show our commitment to a model of sustainability that strikes a balanced between economic development and environmental preservation while promoting community well-being. Each project demonstrates the power of teamwork in transforming a sustainable Galapagos to future generations.

New Chapter in Conservation Sustainability

Novarino Castillo’s agricultural nursery, a sustainable farming initiative, thrives with the support from Galápagos Conservancy grants. ©Galápagos Conservancy

The Galapagos Islands are a shining beacon of biodiversity and natural splendor in the Pacific Ocean. Espanola Island (also known as Hood) is a jewel among these gems. It’s a haven of unique wildlife that demands vigilant conservation. Espanola Island, named in honor of British admiral Samuel Hood who made a significant contribution to naval and cartographic research, is a place of exploration and discovery, even though the Admiral had never set foot on Galapagos.

Natural Wonders of Espanola Unveiled

Espanola has a rich biodiversity, including endemic species such as the Galapagos albatross, Phoebastria Irrorata – the largest bird in the archipelago – and the Cactus Finch, Geospiza scanners. Espanola’s rich biodiversity makes it a key focus for conservation and scientific research.

The Galapagos Islands Initiative Program: A Journey of Conservation

Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate will embark on a series expeditions in Espanola, 2023. These missions were part of one our most successful programs Initiative Galapagos and aimed to protect and restore the island’s eco-systems.

The first expedition, under the leadership of Washington Tapia as executive director and scientist, released 86 young Chelonoidis Hoodensis turtles in March. The tortoises were bred in captivity and reintroduced into their native habitats to boost their population. They are vital to the ecosystem and landscape of the island, which benefits other species including albatrosses.

The next expeditions, in August and June, focused on the monitoring of vegetation and a census of albatross populations. These studies were designed to better understand the interaction between tortoises, the island’s vegetation and albatross populations. The preliminary findings indicate a stable population of albatrosses, although the effects of El Nino were evident.

Espanolas Guardians Pioneering Conservation in the Galapagos Archipelago

Park ranger Wilson Villafuerte (left) and scientist Washington Tapia release 86 tortoises on Española Island, a key step in the island’s giant tortoise restoration process. ©Galápagos National Park

Face challenges with resilience

Espanola’s biodiversity is still under threat, despite significant conservation efforts. Our conservation director Dr. Jorge Carrion says, “The Galapagos Islands not only serve as a natural laboratory, but they are also a magnet to global tourism. Species like the albatross draw visitors from around the world.”

Iniciativa Galápagos is a great example of the power that collaboration can have. We work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate to unite passionate scientists and dedicated rangers on a shared mission of conserving Espanola, the entire archipelago, and experts. This commitment goes beyond local efforts and resonates globally in our quest to conserve this remarkable part of the planet.

The Future Generations: A Commitment

Our expeditions in Espanola demonstrate our commitment to protecting this unique ecosystem. We are dedicated to making the Galapagos Islands a beacon for sustainable tourism, and a testament of the wonders that biodiversity can bring. Carrion summarizes our mission by saying, “Our work is more than conservation. It’s a heritage we are building for the future generations.”

Espanolas Guardians Pioneering Conservation in the Galapagos Archipelago

Panoramic view of Española island, spanning 60 km² and renowned one of the oldest and most diverse islands in the Galápagos Archipelago. ©Galápagos Conservancy

Galapagos Conservancy is committed to protecting the Galapagos Islands ecosystems. It values all efforts that are made to achieve this challenging goal. We are happy to share the news of the Ecuadorian Government’s efforts in aiding Galapagos Conservation, particularly against the possible impacts of natural phenomena like El Nino.

Monitoring Critical Climatic Conditions

In a major step for research, the Ecuadorian Navy’s Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute has deployed a second oceanographic beacon in the Galapagos Archipelago. The buoy will be used to monitor environmental conditions and in particular those related the El Nino phenomena. This device is a complement to another buoy that was placed earlier in 2023, 110 nautical miles away from the Santa Elena Peninsula.

This expanded ability to collect environmental data will enhance preventive and protection measures for the Galapagos Archipelago. The buoys have sensors that capture a wide range of oceanographic and meteorological data including air temperature, wind direction and speed, precipitation and atmospheric pressure. They also measure wave patterns and ocean currents.

The collected data, which is of utmost importance, is sent to INOCAR’s Ocean Monitoring Center, in real time, where it is analyzed and used to produce climate forecasts. These forecasts are crucial for a wide range of activities, from navigation and fisheries to risk management and science research.

The Commitment to Protection Continually

Dr. Jorge Carrion is our Conservation Director and he emphasizes the need to monitor El Nino’s impact on Galapagos. “Protecting Galapagos ecosystems requires a constant and meticulous effort.” He says. We are committed to being vigilant and to taking quick actions to protect the integrity of these eco-systems from any anomalies caused by El Nino.

We are unwavering in our commitment to protect Galapagos, its biodiversity and the natural environment. We can continue to work tirelessly for a safe future for this natural treasure thanks to the generosity of our donors.

INOCAR Strengthens Galapagos Research with a New Oceanographic Buoy to Monitor El Nino

Through continuous tracking and data analysis, the buoys can predict phenomena like El Niño, which significantly impact global weather and oceanic conditions. ©INOCAR Ecuador

Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the Galapagos Archipelago, a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty. The Galapagos National Park protects 97% of the landmass of the archipelago, but the biodiversity is still protected by the Ecuadorian Government. Many of the biodiversity hotspots exist in the remaining 3% of the landmass, where the people live. It is crucial to involve local communities in conservation activities. The livelihood and well-being of these communities depends on nature-based touristic activities. We can create a sustainable future both for the environment and people of Galapagos by involving them in conservation.

Galapagos Conservancy is proud of its efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Few years ago, these plastics were a serious threat to the unique ecosystems of the archipelago, especially the marine environment. Galapagos’ use of single use plastics has decreased significantly since a program was launched to reduce its use.

Galapagos Conservancy is committed to supporting local communities’ involvement in conservation and sustainability on Galapagos. We can preserve the natural beauty of Galapagos by promoting responsible and sustainable practices, and educating the public on the importance to protect the environment.