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.
Adaptation
This adaptation is due to the Galapagos Islands, where there are no predators, and the birds have plenty of food. They can thrive without being able to fly. It is a diving bird that eats mainly coastal fish, octopuses and squids. It is very active and can be seen gathering on the rocks of the seashore to dry off after a long day of hunting.
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Reproductive Dynamics and Parental Behavior
Nesting occurs in the Archipelago during the cooler months of July and October. There are plenty of marine foods available during this period. The female usually lays three to four eggs in a clutch. However, only one chick is able to survive. Both male and female parents incubate the eggs alternately and share the responsibility of feeding and caring for the chicks. When the chicks are able to take care of themselves, the female will leave to find another mate while the male takes care of the remaining chicks. Females can reproduce up to three times per year.
Conservation Status and Survival Challenges
In 2022, the Directorate of Galapagos Park estimated that there were only 2,085 flightless Cormorants. This species is vulnerable to extinction because of the potential threats posed by predators like snakes, owls hawks rats cats and sharks. Experts estimate that flightless cormorants live an average of 13 years. However, some may live longer in favorable conditions with fewer threats.
Galapagos Conservation understands the importance of protecting seabirds including the iconic Galapagos Flightless Cormorant. The presence of Galapagos flightless cormorants can be a good indicator of the health of the ocean. The study of the population dynamics provides insight into how oceans react to environmental and anthropogenic impacts. This highlights the importance of flightless Cormorants in marine ecosystem conservation.
The health of the Galapagos’ marine environment is closely linked to the flightless cormorants, despite their relatively small numbers. It is vital to protect these birds in order to maintain the balance of their habitats. Assuring their survival helps support broader conservation efforts, and sustains the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos Archipelago. We can contribute to the health of this ecosystem by focusing on flightless cormorants.
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Mangroves are of global importance
Mangroves grow along tropical or subtropical coasts. They grow in muddy soil and salty water, forming dense forest with roots that are adapted to tide changes. The mangrove ecosystems are vital to the marine-coastal biodiversity. The mangroves also play a vital role in coastal protection, stabilizing the shores and reducing erosion. They also act as natural barriers to coastal flooding.
Galapagos Mangroves
Galapagos has four distinct species of mangrove: the red mangrove (also known as black mangrove), white mangrove (also called button mangrove), and black mangrove. Each species has its own adaptations. The white mangrove, for example, has roots called pneumatophores that extend upwards from the soil and allow the mangroves to breathe oxygen even when the soil is waterlogged. These characteristics are essential not only for the survival and growth of these trees, but also in the marine environment.
The Galapagos archipelago is home to a variety of marine species that are essential for their complete life cycle. These include pelicans and frigatebirds as well as sea turtles and sea lions. They also provide habitats for reef fish species such as snapper and bacalao, which is a type cod.
Charles Darwin Foundation has recently released a study that highlights the importance of mangroves to the Galapagos archipelago in terms of their ecological and socioeconomic value. The study found that only 5% mangroves in Galapagos were fully protected against extractive activities by the Marine Reserve Zone established in 2001.
Commitment to conservation
On International Mangrove Protection Day today, we would like to highlight the importance of protecting these ecosystems, as they are a vital component of global environmental health. We can ensure that the mangroves in Galapagos, and other places, will continue to provide their valuable environmental services by working together and implementing effective conservation policies.
Shark Diversity
At least 35 shark species live in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, including the hammerhead, Galapagos, blacktip, whitetip, and whale sharks. This amazing diversity highlights the importance of Galapagos marine ecosystems, and the urgent need to protect the sharks in this unique region.
Challenges and threats
Sharks are the top predators of marine food webs. Sharks are under serious threat from pollution, climate change and illegal fishing. Sharks are important for maintaining the health of our oceans. It is vital to implement effective conservation measures.
The scalloped Hammerhead ( Sphyrna Lewini) is one of the most vulnerable species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Its population has decreased by more than 80% over the past 75 years. This statistic shows the urgency of taking action to save this species. The Galapagos Marine Reserve discovered the first scalloped-hammerhead nursery only in 2017.
Research and Conservation
Since 2021, Galapagos Conservancy funds a vital research project under the direction of park ranger Eduardo Espinoza. This project is designed to examine the complex behaviors, migrations, and habitats used by key shark species for reproduction and feeding in Galapagos water. Data collected is not only essential to our scientific understanding but also for the design and implementation of effective conservation strategies. Espinoza stresses that “understanding the fundamental aspects of these species is essential for developing conservation strategies that protect these impressive predators and also contribute to the maintenance of the overall health the marine ecosystem.”
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Economic and social impact
Sharks are a vital part of the Galapagos Archipelago’s marine ecosystem, and they also play an important role in the local economy. Shark sightings are a major part of the marine tourism industry in the region, which makes up a large portion of its economy. Visitors from all over the world come to see these amazing marine creatures and swim with them in their habitat. Sharks enrich the tourism experience and provide employment for locals.
Marine Conservation Commitment
Our general director, Dr. Washington Tapia emphasizes Galapagos Conservancy’s deep commitment to participating actively in joint efforts to promote harmony between humans and sharks. Dr. Tapia said, “We aim to secure a resilient future of these iconic species by “…advocating the implementation of policies that will ensure their effective protection and promote long-term conservation.”
The generous contributions from many individuals have made our involvement in protecting Galapagos Sharks possible, and reflect our unwavering commitment to marine conservation. We all contribute to the health of Galapagos sharks, and the marine ecosystems that they inhabit, by funding conservation and studies.
Sharks in the Archipelago: An inspiring story that shows how collaboration can help protect our marine life.
Photo: ©Bob Hoffman
The only lizards that can swim in the sea are Galapagos marine Iguanas. The iguanas are expert swimmers that feed on algae, which they collect with their three-pointed teeth by scraping the surface of submerged rocks. The success of these creatures in hatching and surviving is an important indicator of the health of marine environments.
The Journey Begins
During nesting season, the female marine iguanas dig nests on the beaches of Galapagos. The iguanas incubate their eggs under the warm sun for approximately three months after laying them. The small marine iguanas emerge from the well-buried eggs when it is time to hatch. They then make their way to the surface through the sand. It is an important time in their life, because they are facing a variety of natural predators including gulls and hawks as well as cats. Iguanas that have just hatched use their agility and instinct to run quickly to the rocky areas at the edge of water where they can survive with adult iguanas.
Ecological Importance & Conservation
Marine iguanas, which are only found in the Galapagos Islands, play an important role in the marine eco-system. They regulate the growth of algae and facilitate the flourishing other marine organisms by consuming algae.
Marine iguanas, despite being resilient, are still threatened by climate change, pollution and the introduction of invasive plants, all of which threaten their survival. It is important to continue to work to protect this fascinating creature and its unique habitat.
Our conservation director, Dr. Jorge Carrion emphasizes the significance of this event. He said, “The hatching marine iguanas are crucial for the health and sustainability of the Galapagos eco-system. These iguanas play a vital role in the dynamics of our ocean communities. “It is essential to the biodiversity of the islands that they are protected and ensured their survival.”
Photo: ©Linda Green
A Chance to Support Conservation
Galapagos’ iguana hatching season is a great opportunity to observe and learn. This natural event can be witnessed up close by visitors, who will gain a deeper understanding of these amazing reptiles.
Continue conservation efforts to protect marine iguanas, and their habitat. We can ensure that this natural phenomenon will continue for future generations by protecting these creatures and the environment they live in. Our donors and conservation-minded individuals are essential in achieving these goals, and protecting the biodiversity and ecosystems which make Galapagos such a unique and valuable place.
Photo: ©K. Wukitsch
A Galapagos Conservancy Board Member enabled the purchase of equipment for DNA sequencing through Goldman Sachs gives. The equipment transfer and gift was made possible by an Inter-Institutional Cooperation Agreement, which was facilitated in Ecuador by the Conservando Galapagos Foundation, ABG’s operating arm.
Galapagos Conservancy also provided ABG with additional resources in order to improve quarantine controls through the automation of the Sworn Declaration of Goods. This is a requirement of all visitors to Galapagos. This process is currently done using manual forms that are distributed during flights. The new digital system online will eliminate paper, reduce errors and increase efficiency.
Jean Pierre Cadena is the Executive Director of ABG. He stressed that ABG’s donation and collaboration with Galapagos Conservancy would enhance their diagnostic capability. The new equipment will speed up analysis and allow for immediate response to new threats, he said.
Galapagos Conservancy’s Director General, Dr. Washington Tapia emphasized our organizations’ shared commitment to Galapagos conservation, stressing the importance of close collaboration with local authorities and community. This shared responsibility is essential to a sustainable future of the archipelago.
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site requires constant vigilance. ABG’s work is crucial in mitigating the threats that face this unique archipelago. We continue to work with ABG, thanks to the support of our donors, in order for them and us both, to regulate and control the risk of introducing or spreading exotic species, which could threaten biodiversity, local economies, and the health of residents and tourists.
We are delighted to support and contribute to an institution that is working tirelessly to conserve the Galapagos ecosystems. Our donors’ unwavering support has been integral to our conservation effort. We are grateful.
Photo: ©Galapagos Conservancy