Conservation: A 39-Year Commitment
©Galápagos Conservancy
Since Galapagos Conservancy was founded in 1989, it has worked to conserve this unique biodiversity and ecological jewel. Our donors and conservationists have been a great help in our efforts to protect Galapagos’ ecosystems. We are able to implement vital initiatives on the island thanks to their contributions. We acknowledge the efforts of the local communities, who have demonstrated their commitment to Galapagos by participating in various conservation initiatives and enterprises.
Our Director of Conservation Dr. Jorge Carrion explains that “constant effort, well-planned conservation action, community support, and donations from individuals committed to Galapagos are essential for continuing to implement measures that contribute towards safeguarding Galapagos unique ecosystems.” We can protect species that are found nowhere else in the world thanks to their support.
Galapagos: A future where it thrives
We are an organization that focuses on creating a sustainable future in Galapagos. We strive to protect its ecosystems and improve the lives of its inhabitants. We are proud to be working hand-in-hand with our main partner, the Galapagos National Park Directorate. This organization has a team highly trained park rangers who tirelessly work to protect Galapagos’ biodiversity.
©Galápagos Conservancy
“Our commitment is that we will continue to fight for conservation on Galapagos, and continue to contribute so future generations can continue to enjoy the natural wonders in the archipelago,” Dr. Carrion says.
We congratulate Galapagos National Park Directorate on this World Environment Day for the hard work they do to protect this natural heritage every day. We invite the entire world to join our efforts to protect the Galapagos Archipelago, and by extension the planet. We can all make a positive contribution to the environment in our everyday lives, particularly in places such as the Galapagos Islands. Simple actions can include using reusable containers and bags, managing water and electricity in the home, avoiding consumption, and buying products from companies that have sustainable and ethical business practices. These simple everyday actions are beneficial to our local environment, and they contribute to the health of the Galapagos ecosystems and its unique species.
Shared Responsibility
World Environment Day is a reminder of the importance of conserving and protecting our planet for future generations. Galapagos Conservancy is firmly committed in its efforts to conserve the Galapagos eco-systems and their unique biodiversity. We recognize that every individual can contribute valuable contributions in this effort, says Dr. Carrion.
Join us on this mission. Happy World Environment Day.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The Galápagos Conservancy’s Conservation Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island will soon undergo a thorough renovation. Since its opening in June 2022, the center has become a valuable source of information about the Galapagos, especially regarding the history and conservation efforts aimed at the most iconic species of the Galápagos, such as our giant tortoises.
Regular visits from local residents over the last two years have been a defining feature. They come to the center to learn about conservation projects and understand the importance of conserving their home, the Galápagos. The frequent visits from children and students are particularly heartening, as their enthusiasm and questions help nurture the next generation of nature enthusiasts.
Our spectacular 3D map of the Galápagos archipelago is a major attraction for both national and international tourists. Upon each island is depicted an intricate rendition of each of the 15 species of Galápagos tortoises – wooden masterpieces crafted by a local artist, showcasing our dedication to providing a space for knowledge and learning.
As we move forward, we are actively updating the conservation and sustainability information for the upcoming renovated Conservation Center. Our goal is to meet current expectations and needs for information about Galapagos. During this time, the Center will undergo a temporary closure.
We are looking forward to the opening of a newly renovated Galápagos Conservancy Conservation Center later this year. The center will have improved infrastructure and updated information, and we aim to continue sharing our work and advocating for the care and conservation of this global natural heritage.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The recent field mission in the stunning Espanola island, located in the southeast sector of the Galapagos Archipelago, brought together a team consisting of 27 Galapagos Park Directorate Rangers and Conservation Officers from Galapagos Conservancy who were working to improve nesting habitats for the waved Albatross. This majestic seabird is unique to the Galapagos and nests only on Espanola Island. Thousands of tourists flock to this island every year to see the mating rituals.
Focus and development of the Expedition
The recent expedition was an important step in our efforts to protect waved albatross. We work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate to implement conservation measures aimed at restoring ecosystems on the island and allowing its unique biodiversity to flourish once again.
©Galápagos Conservancy
The mission was aimed at clearing “runways” for these birds to take off and land. The vegetation on the island, which has grown overgrown over the past few decades, is a barrier for these birds with 6 foot-long wingspan to reach their nesting area on the Island. The team worked under the scorching sun for ten days before the albatross arrived to nest on this beautiful, yet arid island. They cleared forty-nine runways measuring 33 feet by 164 foot, removing obstacles that could threaten the safety and flight of the birds. It was not an easy expedition. The daily hikes were up to 7.5 mile over rocky terrain, and the work of removing shrubs from nesting areas was demanding. The majority of trees that were removed were “muyuyo”, or Cordia lata, a species native to Ecuador and Polynesia. It has been invading the island ever since the collapsed population of the endemic giant turtle, which used to maintain open areas where albatross could nest.
Impact and Future Plans
©Galápagos Conservancy
Our conservation director Dr. Carrion says, “It’s essential to protect the integrity of albatrosses at their only nesting site in the entire world.” Jorge Carrion has seen first-hand the positive effects of these conservation efforts on the albatross populations.
Our focus will remain on the strategic conservation actions of Galapagos Albatrosses. We plan to return to Espanola Island later this year, to maintain the runways for these iconic birds and to monitor the status of the tortoises who were returned in the previous months.
Commitment to conservation
Our conservation expeditions demonstrate our commitment to protecting the unique biodiversity of Galapagos. We will work tirelessly to ensure the future of the waved albatross, as well as all the other natural wonders which make the Galapagos Islands so special.
©Galápagos Conservancy
©Carlos Palma
The World celebrates International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22. This is an opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity and promote its conservation. We consider the importance of protecting and caring for our planet. Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in the sustainability and well-being of humans by providing ecosystem services such as food production and climate regulation. It is important to consider our collective and individual actions to conserve biological diversity.
The Galapagos Archipelago is unique in this context and essential for global biodiversity. These islands provide a safe haven for many endemic species.
©Carol Hemminger
Galapagos Islands: Unique and Unusual
The Galapagos Archipelago is famous for its biodiversity. It’s located about 620 mile off the coasts of Ecuador. Over 2,000 endemic animals and plants call the islands home, a treasure trove of biodiversity. The endemic species are a diverse group of plants, animals (both terrestrial and marine), and insects. Galapagos’ high endemism rate is one of the main reasons these islands are deemed important for biological conservation.
UNESCO designated Galapagos as a World Heritage Site in 1978. In 2001, it also recognized the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Galapagos Marine Reserve was also declared a World Heritage Site in 2001.
©Paul Schmieder
Galapagos Conservation Fund’s Work
Galapagos Conservancy was founded in 1985 and has dedicated itself to protecting and restoring the ecosystems of the Galapagos Archipelago. We work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate in order to protect endangered species such as pink Iguanas and Galapagos Penguins. Sea Lions, hammerhead Sharks, etc., are also protected. Our work includes rapid response interventions as well as many ongoing projects that address the various threats facing these species.
We are also committed to protecting the biological diversity on the Galapagos Islands by supporting the removal and reintroduction giant tortoises where they were extinct.
©Kathy Reeves
Challenges for the Future
Overfishing, climate change and invasive species are the main causes of species extinction on the islands. Galapagos is still one of the most well-preserved islands in the world. We aim to ensure a sustainable future of the islands through our actions. Galapagos’ long-term survival depends on our collective commitment and efforts to conserve the islands.
We reaffirm on this International Day for Biological Diversity our commitment to protect the unique biodiversity of Galapagos. We are grateful for the support and cooperation of individuals and groups dedicated to conservation of these islands. Your contribution is crucial in protecting the unique ecosystems of Galapagos and ensuring its future. We encourage you to continue your active involvement in these important conservation efforts. Together, we can protect one of the planet’s most valuable natural treasures.
©Dave Pitrak
World Penguin Day, celebrated on the 25th of April, is a day to promote awareness for these amazing birds. The Galapagos Penguin is one of the most remarkable. It’s scientific name is Spheniscus Mendiculus. This species can only be found in Galapagos, where it sometimes ranges north of equator.
The Galapagos Penguin is found primarily in the cool and nutrient-rich waters of the western archipelago. This area has abundant prey during upwellings, which are processes by which cold waters from the depths of the ocean rise to the surface. Galapagos penguins are primarily found on the rocky coasts of Fernandina Island and Isabela. They nest in the lava rock and feed near the shallow water.
©Dee Boersma
The population of Galapagos Penguins which can live up to 20 years, fluctuates with ocean conditions. However, the trend seems to have slowed down since the 1970s. This is attributed to the increased frequency and severity of El Nino which destroys penguin food and the presence introduced predators like rats and cats that attack nesting Penguins.
International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the Galapagos Penguin as Endangered. As intermediate consumers, these birds help regulate populations of aquatic species such as fish and crustaceans. They also serve as bioindicators for environmental health and provide valuable insight into the effects of oceanographic conditions and climatic conditions. This includes disturbances caused by phenomena such as el Nino.
Scientist Washington Tapia is our general director and he believes that “the conservation of the penguins are essential, not only because of their intrinsic value, but also due to their role in maintaining Galapagos’ ecological integrity.”
World Penguin Day is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of conservation efforts for the Galapagos Penguin as well as other penguins in the world. . These efforts, backed by the latest scientific research, not only protect these iconic species, but the entire marine eco-system. To address the challenges facing these birds, global collaboration and local commitment is essential. We reaffirm that we will continue to support actions which ensure the Galapagos Penguins a future in a changing environment.
©KarenChiasson
The Galapagos Petrel is one of the six seabirds that are unique to Galapagos. The Galapagos Petrel spends most of its time at the sea, searching for small fish and invertebrates. It returns to land, however, to nest in burrows that it digs into the sides of the volcanoes. It is fascinating to watch their flight, which involves erratic turns and twists as they wing through the darkness towards their nests while calling loudly.
This iconic inhabitant of Galapagos skies, which nestled densely at the tops most of the volcanoes in the past, has been facing a growing danger in recent decades. Invasive species have caused a worrying decline in Galapagos Petrel abundance and distribution on the archipelago.
An Endangered Species
©Galápagos Conservancy
The nesting of this seabird is known to occur in the moist, higher-elevation zones on five islands, including San Cristobal and Isabela. Due to the reproductive isolation of each population, they are considered independent management units. This has led to distinct behavioral and morphological adaptations among petrels nesting in each island. All populations, despite their differences, share the same fate: Critically Endangered status, according to International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Terrorized Species.
Galapagos Petrel faces a variety of complex challenges. Invasion of non-native species – both flora & fauna – and human activities are the main culprits. The petrels are most affected by invasive plants such as the guava tree (Cinchonapubescens) and guava plant (Psidium Guajava). The plants are invasive and displace native species. They also create root networks which adult petrels can’t penetrate while excavating nesting burrows. The invasive blackberry, Rubus niveus, forms thorny network trapping petrels when they try to enter their nests or leave them.
Feral animals are known to prey upon chicks and eggs at various stages of development. Black rats also prey upon chicks and eggs. Even adult petrels can be hunted down by dogs, cats and pigs.
Cows, donkeys and horses grazing in the open trample petrel nests. Experts believe that petrels remain loyal to their nesting areas. The nesting burrows are used every year, so it is hard to replace any that have been destroyed. The nesting site faithfulness highlights the importance of protecting these seabirds’ natural habitats.
Project of Hope
Each threat is unique and poses a challenge to their survival. We can change the tide for the petrel by taking precise and effective conservation steps. Galapagos Conservancy recently partnered up with Galapagos National park Directorate with funding provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to implement an ambitious project for petrels on Santa Cruz and Santiago Islands.
Santa Cruz Island: Restoring Ecosystem
Santa Cruz Island, located in the middle of the Galapagos Archipelago is home to 759 nesting Petrels. Our team will work closely with Galapagos National Park Rangers in order to manage nesting habitat for petrels. Our primary task will be to remove invasive plants from the breeding colonies that are preventing the petrels from nesting. We will also attach GPS tracking tags to adult petrels in order to track them and their movements. This will give us valuable insight into their feeding, breeding, and resting behaviors.
Santiago Island: Recovering Lost Splendor
Santiago Island once housed the largest nesting population known of Galapagos Petrels. Its current status, however, is unknown because of a lack in monitoring and protection over the past decades. This project will revitalize the petrel monitoring program on Santiago Island, and identify management actions that are needed to assist this population in recovering.
Isabela Island: Uncover the Mystery
On the steep slopes of Sierra Negra, Isabela Island is home to a population that has never had its population status or needs well understood. This mystery is both a challenge and a chance for conservation of this unique specie. This project will be the start of a thorough research effort to determine what is happening to this unique population, and what it takes to protect them.
Call to Action
We can guarantee a future in which these magnificent birds will continue to soar across the Galapagos night sky with the help of international collaboration and community support. The conservation of the species will be impacted by management measures and decisions that are based on technical criteria. We appreciate our donors’ generosity in supporting our conservation efforts. The complex process to protect this species requires constant effort. In the fight to save the Galapagos Petrel, every action counts.
©DPNG