Tortoise DNA – Implications for Conservation

Galápagos giant tortoise

Geneticists from Princeton, Newcastle University, Oxford and Yale Universities, among others, are currently conducting critical research on the taxonomy for Galapagos giant turtles, which is funded by Galapagos Conservancy. This international team is working to solve a 300-year old dilemma: Are all the giant tortoises that are spread across the islands and volcanoes of Galapagos […]

Empowering Women in Science Across Galápagos

Diana Loyola, Biologist in Ecology and Management, resides on Santa Cruz Island, and leads a key investigation on avian pox, contributing to the understanding and control of this disease.

We celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, honoring their contributions to science and tech, and advocating for increased participation in areas where women have historically been underrepresented. This day is especially important in Galapagos because it highlights the crucial role women play in conservation and scientific exploration in this […]

Galápagos Celebrates 51 Years of Growth and Community!

Galápagos Conservancy staff joined the parade celebrating Galápagos' annexation to Ecuador (192nd anniversary) and provincialization (51st anniversary).

February is a month packed with history and festivities for the Galapagos Archipelago. This year, they’re celebrating two major milestones: becoming part of Ecuador 192 years ago and officially becoming a province of Ecuador 51 years ago. For the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, there’s even more to celebrate with their district anniversary. […]

Ecological Restoration on Floreana Island: Not at a Tortoise’s Pace!

This specimen, descended from the extinct Floreana giant tortoise species (Chelonoidis niger), is cared for at the Santa Cruz Breeding Center.

Ecological restoration in Galapagos is often a slow, methodical process. It is possible to remove invasive species square meter by sq meter. It could take decades to breed critically endangered giant turtles. It’s just the way things are. Ecological restoration can move at a faster pace on rare occasions. This will be the situation starting […]

Isabela’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Gets Upgraded

The breeding center has undergone renovations, with upgraded ramps, pools, and platforms significantly improving the living conditions for the tortoises.

Isabela Island is one of four inhabited islands within the Galapagos Archipelago. It boasts the most vibrant biodiversity. The iconic giant tortoises of the island are being protected with significant efforts. These magnificent creatures are vital to the Galapagos ecosystems and biodiversity. These tortoises are important, but they face constant challenges in their quest for […]

Galápagos Celebrates International Wetlands Day: Highlighting Isabela’s Role as a Ramsar Site

Aerial view of the wetlands in southern Isabela, designated as Ramsar Site of International Importance since May 20, 2002.

International Wetlands Day is celebrated today, 2nd February, as a way to highlight the importance of these unique eco-systems. This day is especially important in Galapagos because of its unmatched biodiversity. We celebrate and recognize wetlands, which are true natural gems integral to the region’s eco-diversity. Dr. Our Director of Conservation, Jorge Carrion, sends his […]