Yellow land iguanas ( Conolophus Subcristatus) are found on the Galapagos Islands. These large lizards can live up to 70-years in the wild. We must continue to intensify our efforts as we learn more about this fascinating creature. At Galapagos Conservation we are committed to protecting this incredible species in order to ensure its survival. The story of Yellow Land Iguanas is both a testament to the species’ resilience and a call to protect this incredible treasure.
Population and Distribution
Effective conservation requires that we know where and how many Yellow Land Iguanas are still alive. Information about the size of their populations, their habitats, their movement patterns and the connections between them helps us to develop better management strategies. We can also focus conservation efforts on the most important populations by identifying specific threats.
Yellow land iguanas are one of the three land iguana species found in Galapagos. They can be found nowhere else on Earth. The pink land iguana is the other species. The other two are the pink land iguanas (C. pallidus). Yellow land iguanas can be found on Isabela, Baltra, Fernandina, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, and Santiago Islands. Land iguana populations have declined throughout their range because of habitat destruction by goats and carnivores like feral cats and dogs. However, they still thrive on South Plaza Island and North Seymour Island where they were originally introduced from Baltra Island almost 90 years ago.
Successes in conservation and reintroduction
The land iguana on Santiago Island was exterminated by the middle of the 19th century. Charles Darwin reported the last sighting during his 1835 visit. It was feral pigs that were a major factor in the extinction of this species. Feral pigs were eradicated only in 2001. Since 2019, 3,143 Iguanas from North Seymour Island have been slowly introduced back to Santiago Island in order to restore this species and help the island to be restored.
Baltra Island was once home to a large population of yellow land Iguanas. They were known as the largest of their species. In the early 20th Century, however, this population decreased due to habitat destruction by feral goats introduced. During World War II, the situation became worse with the construction of an American military base on Balta. This led to the total disappearance of the iguanas.
In 1932-1933, the Baltra iguana population was decimated. Seventy iguanas, located just a half-mile away, were relocated to North Seymour. The American magnate William Randolph Hearst arranged this transfer. After noticing the decline of iguanas, and vegetation on Baltra due to goats, he decided to relocate them. This helped to prevent the extinctions of Baltra’s iguanas.
Baltra was repopulated in 1991 using iguanas that were bred from North Seymour during the 1980s. The program was a success: around 3,000 iguanas now live on Baltra.
Diet and Adaptations
Galapagos Land Iguanas are mostly herbivores. They feed on the green grasses and flowers of small shrubs and herbaceous plants. Invertebrates such as centipedes and spiders are also known to be eaten by these animals. Land iguanas are hydrated by eating Opuntia and other succulent plants.
Look Ahead
The Galapagos yellow land iguana is a symbol of resilience. It has adapted to and survived a difficult environment. Conservation efforts have enabled the species to start recovering and thrive in some places despite threats such as habitat loss and competition with invasive species. Galapagos Conservancy recognizes that protecting this species is a complex process, requiring research into its population, distribution and impact of invasive species. To preserve their habitats, and ensure their survival, it is essential to collaborate with the Directorate of Galapagos Park and others. It is vital that we protect this iconic species, and maintain its role as the cornerstone of Galapagos biodiversity for future generations.
Satellite Animal Trackers: A Conservation Tool in Galapagos
Galapagos Conservation is committed to protecting the Galapagos Islands’ unique ecosystems. This commitment is reflected by our use of advanced technology in our conservation programs. This installment of our series on technological innovation highlights how satellite animal tracking is revolutionizing the conservation efforts of gigantic tortoises. These iconic species play a crucial role in the dynamics and ecology of the archipelago’s terrestrial ecosystems. These devices are state-of-the art and provide vital data to inform our conservation and management activities, improving our ability to protect and understand these majestic creatures.
Satellite Tracking in Conservation: A Revolution!
Satellite tracking devices have revolutionized the way we monitor endangered animals. These devices are small (2×2 inches), lightweight (7 ounces), and can be attached directly to adult tortoises’ shells without harming them. These devices are equipped with a GPS chip which records the tortoise’s location every six hours. The coordinates are then sent via satellite to enable us to track their movements in real-time and collect detailed information on their behavior.
Diego is a famous giant tortoise and a prime example of the technology being used in our conservation program. The GPS tracker on Diego’s shell, which was attached in June 2020 to his return to the wild Espanola Island after more than 80 years of captivity allowed our scientists to monitor Diego’s adaptation and ensure its well-being. Diego’s story illustrates how satellite tracking deepens our understanding of animals and their fate.
The giant tortoises of Isabela Island are another example of the impact this technology has had. The tracking of tortoises for two years revealed that males reached up to 1,200 meters in altitude and traveled up to 20 km. Females were more likely to move less and stay at lower elevations. These observations show behavioral differences in the sexes, and how climate change may affect their migration routes and impact their health and survival.
The advanced technology minimizes the need for physical presence by our researchers in sensitive habitats. This ensures that animals and habitats are not disturbed. This technology allows timely adjustments to ensure that conservation strategies are robust, responsive and effective as environmental conditions change.
The tracking devices not only provide valuable insight into the giant tortoises seasonal migrations but also highlight the role they play in the dispersal of seeds across the Galapagos. These devices show how tortoises, which retain the seeds that they eat for nearly a whole month in their digestive tracts, move slowly and steadily up to 1 km per day. This process is vital for the regeneration of vegetation and the health of the Galapagos ecosystems.
Conservation: Challenges and the Future
Satellite animal trackers are essential tools to help us better understand giant tortoises that live in remote, vast areas. These areas can be difficult to reach or monitor on the ground due logistical challenges. These ecosystems are isolated and require ongoing planning to protect them.
Future conservation efforts in the Galapagos depend on the integration of new technologies as well as the support of donors and supporters. Your commitment is vital to protect this unique archipelago, and to ensure that the Galapagos tortoises legacy endures for future generations.
Silent Guardians of Galapagos wildlife: Trail cameras
A Trail Camera Network in Galapagos
We have strategically placed trail cameras on several islands, including b>Isabela/b>, b>Santa Cruz/b> and ‘b>Santa Fe/b>. We have strategically placed cameras on several islands including Isabela Santa Cruz Santa Fe and Espanola. The cameras are in operation for several months and capture millions of images as well as data, such as the environmental conditions.
Use of trail cameras for research and monitoring
At Galapagos Conservancy, trail cameras play a vital role in our research. The cameras also help environmental authorities combat wildlife trafficking and poaching. Numerous cameras are positioned at key locations, including nesting sites of important species. This provides us with photographic evidence that documents animal activity and human trespass. Cameras are essential for protecting Galapagos fauna and flora.
Photo: ©Galápagos Conservancy
Pink Iguanas: A Study
We have installed over 50 trail cameras on the Isabela Island slopes, the largest Galapagos Island. These cameras are used to monitor the habitats of Pink Iguanas. ( Conolophus Marthae ). The species was discovered in 1986, and described formally in 2009. It is an endemic of Galapagos. These images help us understand the natural history of the reptiles and the threats that they face.
The footage shows that cats are preying on the young iguanas when they leave their nests underground. The Galapagos National Park Directorate has used this important discovery to develop strategies for protecting hatchling pink Iguanas. This species is near extinction, with only 300 individuals left.
Analyzing images and converting them to data
Our proprietary software organizes and classes the millions of photos our cameras take to create a comprehensive report of what and where was found. This analysis gives us a deeper understanding of species rarity and abundance, population dynamics and behaviour. The cameras, which are set up for long periods of time, allow us to determine population trends and better understand wildlife needs. We can then adjust our conservation strategy and respond effectively to new challenges. Data-driven approaches are essential to developing accurate protection measures, and ensuring that Galapagos’ unique ecosystems are conserved.
Conservation in Galapagos: The Future
Galapagos Conservancy strives to improve our conservation efforts while expanding our technology. We can increase our monitoring abilities and raise global awareness by integrating trail cameras. This will help us gain support for protecting one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world.
We need to gather information in order to make informed decisions and adjust our strategies as necessary. In our next article, we’ll explore how we innovate our efforts in Galapagos with monitoring technology. These devices are complementary and provide us with crucial information on animal migration that helps us better understand the habitat requirements for several species.
This day has a special meaning for Galapagos conservancy. Galapagos National Park, which was established on July 4th 1959, is a precious natural resource that we must continue to protect. Galapagos National Park, which covers about 3,087 sq. miles (97% of the land area of the archipelago) and spans approximately 3,087 sq. miles, is one of the best-preserved volcanic islands in the world.
We are proud to continue our partnership with the Galapagos National Park Directorate – the agency in charge of managing this protected area. Our partnership is based on a commitment to protect and restore the Galapagos species and their habitats.
Galapagos Initiative is a key part of what we do. It’s a joint project between Galapagos Conservancy, and the Galapagos National Park Directorate. This program is aimed at recovering important species such as giant turtles, pink iguanas, waved albatrosses and sea lions as well as restoring the habitat. We have made great strides to conserve this archipelago thanks to the generosity of our donors and our collective efforts.
We want to thank our donors and partners on this International Day of National Parks. Your unwavering support is vital to advancing conservation efforts and tackling the challenges of protecting a unique ecosystem. Your commitment helps us to continue our mission, and ensures Galapagos National Park is a leader in conservation.
Let’s reflect and celebrate our achievements today and renew our commitment for conservation. We encourage our partners and supporters continue to support our efforts. Together, we can make sure that Galapagos National Park is a shining conservation example for future generations.
Happy International Day of National Parks
Sea of Emotions
“Sounds of the Sea”, is not just a book. It’s an invitation for you to dream, explore and take care of our planet. This unique initiative combines vivid illustrations, poetic text, and real ocean sounds via a QR code that is printed on every page and linked to a sound source online. Together, these elements create an immersive experience that transports children into a magical, life-filled world where they can discover fascinating animals and form a bond with nature.
The first page takes them on a journey underwater, where they hear the sounds of the sea lions and whales, as well as the splashes of penguins. This gives the children a feeling of belonging in the Galapagos Islands. These “sound books” were distributed to rural schools on the islands of Santa Cruz San Cristobal Isabela and Floreana. They are aimed at promoting reading and encouraging a conservationist mindset.
A Lifelong Experience
The books were distributed with reading mediation. This is a process which involves guided reading exercises designed to stimulate imagination and learning in children. This initiative was highly successful, increasing children’s knowledge about Galapagos biodiversity and sparking their interest in reading. By teaching children how to take care of their environment, we form environmental ambassadors that will influence their family and spread sustainable practices, says s Jenny Macias.
We are committed at Galapagos Conservation to the conservation and sustainable development of the Galapagos Archipelago. This is an honor to be able to work on such a project. Our financial support has enabled many children to have access to an exciting book about the marine biodiversity in the Galapagos. It is a great joy to see their smiles when they receive the books, and we are inspired to continue to work for the conservation of the unique archipelago. Plant the seeds for a sustainable future today!
Photo: ©Selene Loaiza
A team of 10 experts including scientists from Galapagos Conservancy, and park rangers with the Galapagos National Park Directorate embarked this week on a 7-day expedition to Santa Fe Island. The team was led by Washington Tapia our General Director. They were on a mission to monitor ecological restoration efforts in Santa Fe Island.
The Galapagos Initiative is a carefully planned, joint conservation program run by Galapagos Conservancy, through its operational arm Conservando Galapagos and the Galapagos National Park Directorate. This initiative is aimed at implementing strategic conservation actions in order to recover ecologically important species and their habitats.
After a journey of 20 miles by land and sea from Santa Cruz Island, the team reached their destination. After reaching Santa Fe they had to transport equipment, water and supplies over two miles of rocky terrain in order to set up the base camp. This complex logistical endeavor underscores our commitment to monitoring and restoring the biodiversity of Santa Fe.
The team, which was composed of five groups with different specialties, completed a wide range of tasks on their trip. The team focused on monitoring the progress of the giant turtles introduced to the island, and assessing plots for vegetation recovery. The team also searched for nests of tortoises to determine whether the tortoises had begun breeding, and they examined the dispersal patterns of land iguanas and tortoises across the island. A drone was used to capture imagery for a long-term assessment of the vegetation in the area.
Dr. Jorge Carrion is our Director of Conservation and he highlights the importance of the data collected during this expedition in evaluating the changes in the iguana population in recent years as a result of the tortoise’s introduction. The expedition will also include the search for bone fragments of tortoises, iguanas and other species for isotopic analyses. This will give valuable insight into the interactions between the two species, especially how much they overlap in their diets,” said Dr. Carrion.
We are eagerly awaiting the results of the expedition which will provide valuable insight into the conservation and restoration Santa Fe Island’s biodiversity. The ongoing support from individuals who are committed to the conservation and restoration of Galapagos is what makes this effort possible. Their generous donations make these essential conservation activities possible.