Protecting the Galápagos Giant Tortoises on Isabela Island

Isabela Island, home to five of the twelve remaining species of Galápagos giant tortoises, is facing a serious challenge due to invasive species that threaten the survival of these iconic creatures. In collaboration with the Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), we have launched critical conservation initiatives to safeguard the tortoise populations in the island’s southern regions. These efforts are focused on managing invasive species and supporting the recovery of these extraordinary reptiles.

Addressing the Impact of Invasive Species

A recent census of the eleven remaining tortoise populations in southern Isabela revealed a troubling pattern: the lack of young tortoises. This is primarily due to invasive species such as cattle, feral pigs, and fire ants. Cattle compete with tortoises for food, while feral pigs destroy eggs and prey on hatchlings. Fire ants attack both hatchlings and adult females, especially during egg-laying.

In response, we have intensified efforts with the DPNG to control invasive species and relocate tortoise eggs to the Breeding Center. This practice, which had been halted for over 12 years due to difficult terrain, is essential for rebuilding tortoise populations.

Planning for the Future

Relocating eggs is a crucial step to ensure the survival of giant tortoises. In the wild, nearly all eggs are destroyed by predators, but nearly 100% survive in controlled conditions at the Breeding Center. By carefully collecting and incubating eggs, we can bolster wild populations and maintain genetic diversity, which is vital for the tortoises’ ability to adapt to environmental changes.

In the coming months, we will continue working with park rangers to monitor nesting sites and protect them from invasive species. These actions not only help safeguard the tortoises but also promote the overall health of their ecosystem.

Achievements and Progress

This year, we conducted 15 expeditions to remote nesting areas, including Roca Unión and San Pedro on Sierra Negra Volcano. These efforts led to the collection of 72 eggs and two hatchlings: 45 eggs from San Pedro and 27 from Roca Unión, along with one hatchling from each site. The eggs and hatchlings were transported to the “Arnaldo Tupiza” Breeding Center on Isabela Island, where they will be cared for as part of the Galápagos Initiative. This initiative, a partnership between the Galápagos Conservancy and the DPNG, aims to restore giant tortoise populations to their historic numbers and ranges.

A Call to Action

The partnership between the Galápagos Conservancy and the Galápagos National Park Directorate demonstrates how strategic collaboration can create meaningful change for critically endangered species. With the continued support of our contributors, we can expand these vital conservation efforts to protect the Galápagos’ unique biodiversity. Together, we can ensure a future for the Sierra Negra giant tortoises and preserve one of the world’s most extraordinary natural treasures. Thank you for being part of this critical mission.

Galapagos Conservation believes in the power community has to protect the unique eco-systems of the archipelago. Ocean Scouts Group No. 1 will be empowered by Silversea Cruises in partnership. In Galapagos, 17 members will become certified scuba diver. This initiative teaches these young aquanauts diving and underwater exploration techniques, eventually building a team of locals capable of ocean conservation underwater projects.

A Unique Experience

The eleven participants who earned their scuba certification have achieved a major milestone. They learned the essential diving techniques with the help of experts. The training they received has allowed them to explore the Galapagos Marine Reserve. This reserve is home to many unique species, including sharks, mantas rays and sea turtles.

In San Cristobal Island in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno there was a strong community interest in this project. Many families supported their children actively. Through coordinated dives, and teamwork underwater, the scouts developed a lasting relationship with the ocean. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is better protected when young people have first-hand experience of the marine life. This will instill a sense responsibility that will last generations. One participant was so excited about their experience that they said: “I’d never imagined seeing a shark up-close.” Now I feel like it’s my duty to protect them.”

Learning to overcome challenges

Participants faced challenges throughout the project. One of these was balancing diving training with school obligations. Teamwork was essential to overcome these obstacles. One scout was a leader who inspired his peers to complete certifications. The scouts developed a sense of camaraderie and improved their problem-solving and confidence skills. These young people’s growing leadership skills highlight their potential to inspire others. They are becoming more skilled divers, and they will be passionate advocates for the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

A Lasting Legacy

This project has a far-reaching impact. It goes beyond the training of skilled divers. It represents the Galapagos Conservancy’s commitment to conservation and sustainability in the Galapagos Archipelago. By providing young people with the knowledge and skills to protect their marine environment, these ambassadors can help conserve the unique marine biodiversity of their home. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to ocean protection by supporting marine environmental education.

This legacy enriches the lives of young people and benefits future generations through the promotion of a culture that values and cares for nature. These youths, as they continue their learning and discovering journey, embody the hope of a future in which marine conservation will be entrusted only to those who understand and value it. We are committed in building a community of people who actively protect the Galapagos Marine Reserve to ensure its beauty and natural riches are preserved for many years to come.

A Call to Action

Join us in our conservation efforts. Supporting initiatives such as the Ocean the Scouts diving training program empowers the youth in Galapagos and helps them protect one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet. Together, we can make sure that the oceans in Galapagos are a vibrant refuge for many of its unique species and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Since 2022, Galapagos Conservancy is working with the Galapagos National Park Directorate on the Conservation and Management Plan of the Galapagos Pink Iguana ( Conolophus Marthae ). This plan will be implemented for the years 2022-2027. The species was discovered in 1986, and it was formally described in 2009. There are only 300 individuals left. It is imperative to protect the pink iguana. The plan is detailed, and prioritizes the control of invasive species while conducting research in order to fill critical holes in our understanding of iguana ecology.

A team of eight scientists and rangers from the Galapagos Conservation Society embarked recently on an expedition to the Wolf Volcano in northern Isabela Island. This is the only habitat known for the pink Iguana. Our team was fulfilling our responsibility to save the species by monitoring the population, assessing the habitat, and understanding the threats that it faces. Information gathered will be crucial in determining if and how the plan can move forward to its second phase, which could include creating a captive breeding program or a head-start to increase the survival rate of pink iguanas.

Conservation: Advances and Challenges

The expedition revealed important insights into the progress made and the challenges faced in saving pink iguanas from extinction. It was encouraging to see healthy adults. No neonates or juveniles have been detected. Numerous tracks of feral cat were found during this expedition. This raises concern over the cats’ role in decreasing the survival of the pink iguanas.

Extending the Benefits from These Expeditions

These expeditions are primarily designed to protect the pink Iguana. However, their impact goes far beyond that of a single species. Every visit to Wolf Volcano provides an opportunity to monitor other endangered species in the region. On a recent expedition, for example, 55 yellow Galapagos Iguanas were observed ( Conolophus Subcristatus), including five neonates. These data are crucial to the refinement of conservation strategies for species that live in similar habitats. This information is also useful in determining the possible impact of yellow iguanas on pink iguanas.

These expeditions collect important data about the giant tortoises that are endemic to the Volcano ( becki ). The observations included male, juvenile, and female tortoises. Females are found more often at lower elevations during nesting season. Our conservation team monitors the tortoises’ well-being, and identifies any threats that they may face. The park guards are attempting to stop an exotic guava species from invading the Wolf Volcano.

The Pink Iguana Conservation and Management Plan : A Pathway to Recover

The 2022-2027 Pink Iguana Conservation and Management Plan has been strategically organized to guide our efforts. We are focusing on filling in knowledge gaps about pink iguana ecologie during the first phase of 2022-2024. Where necessary, we also control invasive species. We are committed: If we don’t see the desired results, like increased natural recruitment by the third year, we will move on to the next priority in the plan, which is implementing a breeding and rearing program. We can respond to challenges by adapting our approach and pivoting to new strategies to ensure the survival of a unique species.

Committed to Long-Term Sustainability

Galapagos Conservancy and our partners are fully committed to the conservation of the pink iguana. Quarterly expeditions to Wolf Volcano are part of our active implementation of the Management Plan. These expeditions are used to monitor the iguana populations and reduce predators, improving the conditions for native species recovery, including pink iguanas as well as other species that inhabit the vulnerable area.

The future of the Pink Iguana depends on the continued efforts and commitment of those involved in its protection. In the years leading up to 2025, the results of these expeditions will determine the next steps in the preservation of this iconic species from the Galapagos Islands.

A Call to Action

These findings go beyond data collection and serve as a powerful message about our shared responsibility for wildlife conservation. As Dr. Carrion has stressed, the absence of pink iguanas in their young age highlights the need for greater intervention. Our Conservation Director, Jorge Carrion, stresses the importance of this for the long-term sustainability of the species.

We returned from the expedition with not only valuable data, but also a renewed hope and a vision. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future on Wolf Volcano for pink iguanas and yellow iguanas. The responsibility of protecting the wildlife on Wolf Volcano falls to all.

Galapagos Conservation understands that conservation of the unique biodiversity on the islands requires engagement with the whole community.

Galapagos is home to many local communities that have a valuable resource – a generational, deep understanding of the environment. Su local ecological knowledge proporciona una vision matizada de los ecosistemas y las especies que habitan en las islas, ayudando a los esfuerzos de conservacion.

The Galapagos Conservation team is mostly based in the islands. They not only share a deep commitment to protect this unique place, but they also understand the realities of that area. Galapagos Conservancy is deeply connected with the challenges and opportunities that we face. We’ve developed more sustainable and effective conservation strategies by combining local knowledge with modern scientific approaches.

Conservation collaboration with local communities

Conservation is not something that can be imposed. It must involve those who live in the ecosystems. With around 30,000 residents relying on nature for their livelihoods–whether through tourism, fishing, or agriculture–Galapagos Conservancy promotes a community-centered approach. We encourage sustainable practices by involving the local community in protecting their environment. This benefits both their everyday lives and ecosystems that they depend upon.

Empowering Galapagos for a Sustainable Future

We believe that the first step in creating a conservation culture on Galapagos is to empower its residents. The Sustainability Education Program is a program that works with teachers on the islands to reach over 7,000 students. The program ensures that environmental education is a part of the curriculum for all students in Galapagos. We also support local entrepreneurs by offering grants to encourage community-led, sustainable projects. Thanks to the generosity of our donors since 2021, we’ve funded conservation projects which engage communities in protecting Galapagos ecosystems. This effort demonstrates our commitment to empowerment and sustainable development, showing the tangible impact that working with local communities can have.

A sustainable future is in sight

We are confident that working together and empowering the local communities, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future for Galapagos. We are creating a network of environmental stewards by integrating environmental education and support local entrepreneurs.

As our general director, Dr. Washington Tapia says: “The success and collaboration of the local communities is often crucial to our conservation work on Galapagos.” We can protect the biodiversity of this archipelago by supporting initiatives from the local communities.

This comprehensive approach reinforces local communities’ commitments to protect their environment, and ensures sustainable management of Galapagos natural resources. It benefits both the people and the ecosystems.

Recent discoveries of Galapagos Petrel nests on Isabela Island have sparked new optimism in the conservation of this critically endangered endemic species. This is a significant step forward in the protection of one of the archipelago’s most iconic seabirds. Their breeding habitat had been under constant threat for many years.

The team, led by experts of Galapagos conservancy along with rangers of Galapagos National Park explored possible nesting sites for petrels on the flanks the Sierra Negra volcano. This included both agricultural and protected areas.

A parte de un proyecto mas grande financiado por la National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) para mejorar los habitats de anidacion de las petrelas de Galapagos, los miembros del equipo buscaron a fondo nuevos sitios de anidacion y tambien exploraron areas donde se habian registrado previamente nidos. El equipo tambien evaluo las amenazas que enfrenta la poblacion de petrelas en la isla. Las petrelas excavan grandes y profundas madrigueras en los densos suelos volcanicos en las partes altas de las islas donde construyen nidos simples en los que ponen sus huevos y crian a sus jovenes. Generalmente estan bien protegidas en sus madrigueras, pero enfrentan amenazas de ratas que comen a los polluelos e incluso a veces a los adultos, perros que excavan los nidos y plantas exoticas que pueden ahogar las madrigueras de anidacion de los petrelas.

Active Nests and Encouragement Signs of Recovery

During their expedition, the team found 11 nests in the National Park. Three of them showed signs of recent activity, such as feathers and droppings. Petrel chicks were also confirmed in several burrows found on local farms, which previously showed signs of activity. This is a major step forward for the recovery of this species. No photographs have been taken of petrel chicks nesting on Isabela Island. This population is genetically different from the four other nesting populations in Galapagos.

Other farms within the agricultural zone also had nests, which were clearly evidence of recent occupancy. These discoveries are vital for expanding our knowledge of the distribution and condition of petrels in Isabela Island.

Domenica Pinda, the leader of the expedition and a researcher at the Galapagos Conservancy, was excited to discover chicks inside the nests. She noted that this discovery gives hope for the recovery of the species. She said that, while there is much more work to do, the results of this expedition confirm we are on track to secure the future for petrels in Isabela Island.

Continued Threats

The presence of invasive animals and plants was one of the main challenges that the team encountered during the expedition. The team found a high concentration of invasive plants in most nesting sites, including guava, blackberry and signs of rats and insects. Nests were difficult to reach in these densely vegetated areas. Nests on local farms that were active were located in open areas. Typically, these nests are in pastures where cattle and horses graze to prevent the invasion of guava or blackberry plants.

Look Ahead

Galapagos Conservancy will continue to monitor nests of petrels and work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate in order to implement strategies for controlling invasive species. We will also soon be conducting new expeditions on Isabela Island to explore potential nesting sites. This will help us better understand the behavior and needs of these seabirds.

We reaffirm through these initiatives our unwavering dedication to the conservation and protection of Galapagos Petrels, as well as the ecosystems that are essential for their survival.

Galapagos Conservancy is deeply committed to the preservation of the archipelago’s unique biodiversity. In order to achieve this mission we work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate as well as the local community in several key projects that address urgent conservation needs. We visited Isabela Island recently to evaluate the progress and accomplishments of our partnership, as well as strategize the next phases of efforts.

Protecting and restoring the Heart-leaved Scalesia Forests

We visited the Forest Nursery of the Galapagos National Park, which had been fully revitalized. The nursery is now vital in restoring the heartleafed Scalesia forests ( Scalesia Cordata ) on southern Isabela Island. This species only exists in this area. The nursery was revitalized along with a retrofitted housing facility that provides park rangers and scientists a dry, safe place to stay on site for the continuous monitoring and propagation the heart-leafed Scalesia.

The beautiful tree that once covered the southern Isabela Island volcanoes of Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul and other volcanic peaks is almost extinct. The nursery is now filled with heart-leafed Scalesia seeds, a powerful sign of hope for Galapagos’ forests. These plants are growing, which is a clear sign that our restoration efforts have been successful. They promise a brighter tomorrow for the heart-leafed Scalesia, and the unique ecosystem in which it was once a key component.

Tortoise Breeding Center Improvements

Our team visited the Arnaldo Tupaz Chamaidan Tortoise Breeding Center, located in Puerto Villamil. Here giant tortoises were bred to be reintroduced into their natural habitats mainly on southern Isabela Island. We evaluated the performance and efficiency of the Galapagos Conservancy’s state-of the-art incubators for tortoise eggs. These continue to function flawlessly, producing hundreds of hatchlings every year. The center’s infrastructure was also examined, and we identified the need for urgent roof repairs as well as upgrades to its electrical system. The improvements will be funded through our efforts and ensure that the center is a safe, efficient place for the propagation two species of Isabela Island giant tortoises.

Continued Collaboration for Conservation

Galapagos Conservancy, in collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate, has made it possible to undertake projects such as the restoration and breeding of giant tortoises and Scalesia trees. Together, we work to not only protect endangered species, but also to restore the ecosystems that they call home.

Our director, Dr. Washington Tapia emphasizes that “collaboration is crucial for the success our initiatives.” Working closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate ensures a future in which conservation and human well-being go hand in glove.

We are proud of our collaboration with the park rangers, and we value their support in preserving Galapagos. We rely on donations to continue projects such as those on Isabela. This ensures that our efforts have a direct effect on protecting the fragile natural heritage. Galapagos, with your support, will continue to demonstrate how conservation benefits both nature and communities who depend on it.