Galapagos National Park Directorate took immediate action in response to the alarming discovery that marine birds were infected with avian influenza H5N1 on the Galapagos Islands. They investigated the cause of the disease and protected the unique biodiversity of the region. Three bird specimens tested positive for H5N1 avian flu, prompting immediate measures.
Immediate actions taken
The Galapagos National Park Directorate responded quickly to the discovery and identified the cause. The National Institute of Public Health Research, in Guayaquil, was contacted to validate samples collected from sickly bird.
Biosecurity Measures are Implemented
Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Agency for the Control and Regulation of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos now have strict biosecurity protocols. Visitors sites that had afflicted bird species, like Genovesa Island or Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island have been closed. Tour operators were also urged to disinfect outdoor common areas, tender boats, and footwear for tourists who enter and leave visitor sites.
Biosecurity professionals carefully collect samples from a Galápagos booby showing symptoms of avian influenza H5N1, in the ongoing efforts to protect the region’s unique biodiversity from the virus. © Galápagos National Park
Continuous Monitoring
Park rangers, biosecurity agents and other experts are monitoring closely the nesting and habitats of endemic bird species such as Galapagos cormorants and Galapagos Penguins. Tour operators and naturalist guides have been instructed to increase their wildlife observation and report any abnormal behavior via a newly established emergency number.
Public Advisory
Galapagos National Park Directorate issued an urgent warning to the Galapagos Community to avoid handling any sick or dead birds. A specialized team was formed to collect any dead birds and dispose of them according to strict protocol in order prevent the virus spreading.
The Galapagos Conservancy General Director, scientist Washington Tapia is deeply concerned by the arrival in Galapagos of this virus and reaffirms the Conservancy’s commitment to provide support for the implementation measures that minimize the impact of the virus on this unique eco-system. Tapia said, “We’re on constant alert about this issue and have complete confidence in the Galapagos National Park Directorate as well as the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency in their ability to deal with this situation quickly and effectively.”
Trained personnel from the environmental authority closely monitor the birds of Galápagos,
consistently and under strict biosecurity measures. © Galápagos National Park
The Project
This project achieved a number of significant results, including a comprehensive assessment of introduced predators on Floreana. This research has given us a better understanding of the invasive species that are present on Floreana, more than we had on Santa Cruz. Sonia Kleindorfer of the University of Vienna says that in one year, 2022, at least twice as much introduced rats (Crotophaga anis) and smooth-billed anis were seen on Floreana than in other places, along with a greater population of Galapagos Short-Eared Owls (Asio flameus galapagoensis).
The findings of this research, together with the previous research that revealed a 90 percent failure rate in reproduction among Floreana bird species, provide a baseline for monitoring predator activities. These findings also emphasize the need for effective control measures in order to deal with the abundance of predators on Floreana.
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A second striking observation was the presence of yellow warblers on Floreana (Dendroica aureola petechia), even though there had been very little rain and Darwin’s Finch nesting. These birds, which are hardy and have a melodious song, showed active nesting behaviors. They became the primary hosts for the avian vampirism fly (Philornis Downsi), a serious danger to native bird populations. The study, in response to these concerns, promotes specific strategies for eradicating P. downsi. These include dispensers of permethrin treated feathers and insect-growth regulators. These innovative approaches have been particularly effective in dry years. It is also important to note that they can be perfectly timed with the nesting period of yellow warblers which is usually January to February.
Scientist Washington Tapia is our General Director. He stressed that the findings of this study are crucial in guiding conservation efforts. He stated, “We reaffirm that we are committed to supporting research projects which contribute to the conservation and preservation of Galapagos species as well as the ecosystems in which they live.”
Galapagos Conservancy wishes to congratulate the scientists of the University of Vienna for their contributions, which remind us that science can be used as a tool not only to gain knowledge but also in order to ensure the preservation of Galapagos ecosystems.
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In a year of minimal rainfall, the Yellow Warbler emerges as a beacon of resilience, actively nesting and filling the Galápagos with its melodious tunes, despite the looming threat of the avian vampire fly. ©James Gibbs / Galápagos Conservancy
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This Darwin Finch, compromised by the avian vampire fly, symbolizes the pressing
threats native species encounter in the Galápagos. ©Carolina Loyola
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Background
Three species of Phyllodactylus Geckos — P. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for 2022, three species of Phyllodactylus geckos — P. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022, P. darwini, P. galapagensis and P. This worrying status highlights the need for more data. The IUCN does not have a status for Phyllodactylus simpsoni or P. P. Data Deficient is the classification for baurii due to the limited amount of information available on its population.
Galapagos Conservancy, in response to this, funded a 2022 study led by Dr. Diego F. Cisneros Heredia, a researcher and professor at the University of San Francisco de Quito. The primary objective of the study was to shed more light on Galapagos’ endemic geckos by combining observations from the field with morphological and physiological analyses as well as genetic analyses. It also investigated the behavior of the locals towards these reptiles. The integration of data is crucial for understanding the impact that climate change will have on these species.
The Study
The study included 548 geckos of which 364 are endemic, and 184 are introduced. One notable observation was that native species are more likely to be found in natural ecosystems while introduced species prefer human settlements. The study revealed that endemic gecko prefer warm microhabitats whereas introduced gecko are more flexible in their movement. The study concludes that endemic species are threatened by introduced species, habitat changes and competition. This highlights the importance of effective conservation and education strategies in order to protect the enigmatic creatures.
Washington Tapia Dr., our General Director, stressed the importance of these findings. “This information will guide us in all that we do.” We not only promote our research but also any study that can provide useful data to protect the iconic Galapagos species.
We are committed to this cause at Galapagos Conservancy. We continue to work with institutions like USFQ and Galapagos National Park Directorate to collect vital information and implement specific measures that will ensure the long-term preservation of Galapagos biodiversity.
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The gecko Phyllodactylus reissii is an introduced species that lives on walls and seeks refuge from predators in dry spaces or among wooden furniture. ©Juan Gallardo / Galápagos Conservancy
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It’s common to find geckos inside homes. However, they feed on processed
products and unwanted insects in the household. ©Juan Gallardo / Galápagos Conservancy
Novarino Casillo: Local Champions Spotlight
Novarino Castillo is an example of this progress. A local farmer, his vision to build a greenhouse was given a boost by Galapagos Conservancy. Novarino Castillo’s farm is nine miles from Puerto Ayora and a great example of responsible agriculture. It produces a variety of organic products, including eggplants, papayas, and more. This project not only supplies the local community with food, but it also does so without damaging natural habitats.
Composting is essential for sustainable agriculture
Novarino’s farming philosophy is based on composting organic waste. Compost is a rich organic fertilizer that improves soil health without chemical additives. Novarino said, “This allows me farm without chemicals and contribute to the care for the Galapagos Islands while offering healthy food to my community.”
Mission and Approach of Galapagos Conservancy
Galapagos Conservancy’s initiatives are guided by our unwavering commitment to ecological conservation and sustainable development in Galapagos. Novarino is one of our active projects that encourages environmentally responsible farming. Promote productive and sustainable farming to ensure a steady supply of fresh foods while protecting fragile ecosystems. Such projects also fuel local economic development and encourage community participation in conservation efforts.
Novarino creates compost from decomposed organic materials, which he uses as organic fertilizer to enrich the soil and improve its fertility. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Community Engagement and Economic Development
Local farmers play a crucial role in the fight for conservation on the Galapagos Islands. Galapagos Conservancy supports citizen-led initiatives to provide sustainable solutions that will benefit the islands’ unique ecosystems and long-term health. We continue to innovate in Galapagos by combining community involvement and collaborative efforts to find ways to balance human activity with environmental responsibility. This blueprint for sustainable living resonates beyond the islands.
By promoting and strengthening conscious agricultural and livestock practices, we ensure the availability
of fresh food without endangering the delicate ecosystems of the Galápagos. ©Galápagos Conservancy
Maria Daza is a conservation educator who understands the Galapagos Islands as a living laboratory. She encourages the next generation to become environmentalists. Daza, who works at the Galapagos National Park Directorate, has spent decades promoting holistic development in children and environmental awareness. Daza was able to share with Santa Cruz Island Schools her passion for conservation thanks to the Galapagos Conservancy.
Daza’s environmental project included regular school visits where principals and teachers were educated on various environmental issues. These visits benefited 3,767 individuals, including teachers, students and staff. They learned about the negative effects of single-use bags, the benefits of biodegradable and compostable bags, and alternatives to plastic.
Daza also organized puppet shows, and distributed biodegradable and compostable bags to all participants. The bags will reduce plastic waste in the community by a significant amount. They naturally decompose into organic fertilizer after 180 days. Daza stresses the importance of eco-friendly bags, which are the best alternatives to single-use disposable plastics. They can be used to transport goods, package food and collect organic waste. This promotes sustainable practices while reducing environmental impact.
This initiative has been a success, as evidenced by the positive response from the local population and the impact it has had on the environment. Daza argues that education is not limited to the classroom and that it’s important to encourage students to embrace and learn about environmentally friendly alternatives. It is essential to learn how to reduce, re-use, and sort waste in order to build a sustainable future on the Galapagos Islands.
Daza’s unwavering commitment to environmental education and conservation has been inspiring. Galapagos Conservancy is proud to support initiatives that make a real difference in protecting this unique ecosystem. Together with locals such as Daza, we’re building a better future for the Galapagos Islands where education and conservation go hand-in-hand to preserve this incredible treasure.
Students learning about the Galápagos species © GNPD
Washington Tapia stated that maintenance and addition works at the nursery were of great importance. The seedlings are grown in the greenhouse, then replanted later as part of restoration project, such as Los Gemelos’ unique Scalesia Forest. The new plantings restore ecosystem dynamics and provide shelter, food and other resources for threatened species such as finches and vermilion flycatchers.
Phto: Michael Dvorak, CDF.
A joint initiative by Celebrity Cruises Galapagos Conservancy and the GNPD, which began in 2014, will enable the expansion of restoration projects for and other unique species on the Archipelago. Celebrity Flora guests are currently participating in weekly tree-plantings in Los Gemelos.
Celebrity Xpedition & Xploration guests will be able soon to participate in conservation efforts, helping to preserve the Galapagos Islands as a top eco-tourist destination. This activity will increase their positive impact and legacy on the area.
Fausto Arcos is the General Manager for Celebrity Cruises Ecuador. He highlighted the company’s commitment to conservation, and to the local community. Arcos also stressed the importance of giving guests and collaborators the opportunity to be involved in these important efforts, which foster direct contact with the nature in this pristine part of the world.
Galápagos National Park Plant Nursery © Galápagos Conservancy
Danny Rueda stated that planned maintenance work at the nursery will facilitate improved plant propagation techniques by park rangers. These actions will help to ensure that restoration efforts are successful and allow park rangers do their jobs more efficiently.
Santa Cruz Nursery produces between 20,000 and 25,000 seedlings per year. These include Scalesias, Darwin’s Giant Daisys, Galapagos Crotons, Coffee Sennas, Darwin’s Giant Daisys, etc. Jibson Valle is a GNPD Park Ranger. He said: “I have loved plants ever since I was a child, and I am proud to work in this nursery to conserve Galapagos’ key species .”
Santa Cruz’s forest nursery plays a vital role in conservation and restoration efforts in Galapagos. Its upgrade will enhance this contribution. Galapagos Celebrity Cruises Fund’s support for conservation efforts like these exemplifies the way tourism can be sustainable and educational for visitors.
Galapagos Conservancy is looking forward to its continued partnership and involvement with Celebrity Cruises, including the guests and employees of Celebrity Cruises in our conservation and local community initiatives. Construkgal, an indigenous company, was represented by Alfonso Criollo in signing the contract to maintain the nursery.