PIT tags (Passive Integrated Transponders) are one example of technological innovations we use. They are subcutaneously placed in wildlife. PIT tags are a durable and unique identifier that allows us to track individual animals throughout their lives. This allows us to determine survival rates and population sizes, as well as measure growth rates and movements.
It is important to understand the activity patterns and movements and species, so we use GPS tracking devices which transmit their locations via satellite. Galapagos Conservancy supports Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This project aims to better understand and monitor the breeding and movements of this magnificent marine animal. Individuals are tagged with satellite tracking devices and monitored both inside and outside of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Camera traps are placed strategically to help us learn about wildlife behavior and estimate the population size. An infrared motion sensor will automatically capture a photo or video of the animal when it detects its presence. Over 100 camera traps have been hidden on Isabela Island, Wolf Volcano. These traps provide invaluable information about the interactions between Pink and Yellow Iguanas as well as the predatory activities of invasive cats, rats, and nesting habits for the endangered Pink Iguana.
These camera traps also have an important role in detecting poachers and hunters and reporting them in real-time so that we can deploy police and park rangers to arrest them. We would not have the technology to know how to save the Pink Iguana from certain extinction.
Drones have been used to obtain high-resolution imagery of the habitat for tortoises and iguanas and measure their quality. We are also using remotely sensed data from NASA satellites to assess how the Archipelago changes and to plan for future tortoise-rewilding programs.
Molecular genetics is also used to determine the exact species and origin of each individual, as well as genetic variability in rare species populations and levels of kinship. Genetic analysis was used to identify the island of origin of 185 juvenile Giant Tortoises that were taken from animal traffickers last year. These young tortoises will be able to live in the Santa Cruz breeding centre and have their home origins confirmed.
Finally, micrograms of scales and teeth from fishes and sea lions were collected to determine their stable isotope composition using an atomic mass spectrumrometer. This allows us to find out where these animals were born and what they eat.
These technological tools are crucial for conservation and management of Galapagos wildlife. These tools are so valuable and we share them with Conservando Galapagos and the Galapagos National Park Directorate to help promote conservation in Galapagos.
As seen here, GPS tracking devices are attached to the carapaces of Giant Tortoises to help scientists understand their movements, behaviors, and to combat poaching. © Joshua Vela/Galápagos Conservancy
The scholarship recipients will have the chance to get the education and skills they need to succeed in their lives. They will also be able to access a high-quality educational program for free. This program provides critical thinking, bilingual education, as well as experiential learning in an atmosphere of respect, responsibility and solidarity.
Galapagos Conservancy believes that investing in education is an investment in the future and present of society as well as the planet. We will continue to support projects that improve learning, particularly with a sustainability focus. This will contribute to the well-being and care for this amazing natural heritage.
Representatives of Galápagos Conservancy and Fundación Scalesia signing scholarship agreement © Galápagos Conservancy
Education for Sustainability Program is based on the principle that conservation must be done by those who live and work in the Islands. All 7,300 students from PreK-12th grade have been able to learn core topics through month-long deep dives into important topics in Galapagos. These include sustainable food systems, food security, invasive species, sustainable energy, and marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
Sindi Velez, mother to two elementary school students, recalls that learning used to take place only in classrooms and that children did not learn much about Galapagos at school. “It is a joy to see my children outside learning, where teachers help them connect theory and practice and push them together to exchange ideas and work together as they experience their natural surroundings and man-made environment.”
Juan Carlos Valladares is a high school junior who appreciates the chance to learn more about the interplay of environmental, economic, and social realities in the Islands. “We just completed an excellent month learning about the Galapagos Marine Reserve – its most important species and the dangers of overfishing, bycatch, as well as traditional fishing methods that can sustain fisheries. We learned a lot about the environment in our community and were able to see firsthand how we can protect and conserve everything around us.
This major shift in education is centered around 430 Galapagos teachers, who have tirelessly developed new teaching strategies. There are also 40 teacher-leaders involved in professional development of their peers. Patricia Padilla is one of these leaders. She believes that cooperation is the key to success. “Six years ago, teachers from different disciplines had never collaborated. There is now intentionality in the way we interact with each other. While the teaching methods we use are fascinating, teacher collaboration and teamwork is just as important.
Galapagos Conservancy is happy to announce that it has restructured its Education for Sustainability Program this year. It will be transferred entirely to Galapagos by Galapapaguenos. Led by Mr. Lenin Rogel (recently hired), he and his team will ensure that all Islands high school students graduate as conservation-minded architects for a more sustainable Galapagos.
Students on Field Trip © GNPD
This ruling was made because of events that took place on September 27, 2019, when 123 juvenile Giant Tortoises went missing from the Arnaldo Tuiza Breeding Centre on Isabela Island.
In a press release, the Attorney General’s Office of Ecuador (FGE), stated that investigations revealed that tortoises taken from the breeding centre were systematically replaced by wild tortoises. This was in addition to the fact that illegal sales of these reptiles were apparently occurring in Ecuador and Peru.
The court imposed a minimum of 10 monthly wages, sold assets and bank accounts totaling $4,000 and a total $669,000 as restitution to Galapagos National Park Directorate. The three other defendants in the case, Daniel T. T. and Gustavo F. G., were also found innocent.
Galapagos Conservancy supports the GNPD in its fight against wildlife trafficking. Protecting the Galapagos Islands’ unique species is vital for the survival of the Archipelago.
Galápagos Giant Tortoises © Joshua Vela
One of the most well-known crustaceans of the Archipelago is the Spiny Lobster, which can be found in the waters of Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Galapagos Coral Reefs are home to two species: the Red Spiny Lobster and the Green Lobster. They can also be found in restaurants during certain months.
These clawless, nocturnal crustaceans can be identified by their spiny shells, long antennae, and thick, thick antennae. The hard, fibrous substance called Chitin protects their bodies. This natural protective shell does not expand so lobsters have to shed their shells as they grow. Young lobsters may molt multiple times per year, while adults only molt once or twice per year.
Lobsters are important as purifiers and keystone predators in marine ecosystems. Their conservation is crucial for other species. Spiny Lobsters also provide other services, including the feeding of Sea Urchins. Sea Urchins can become too dependent on kelp and coral reefs, which are the main food sources for Galapagos Marine Iguanas.
Climate change has also had an impact on Spiny Lobster populations. Sea level rises and temperature increases have threatened the survival and recruitment of this species. The coastal marine habitat has also been affected by human activities, which together with overfishing has led to a decline in lobster catches and population size.
The economy of Galapagos is also dependent on the Spiny Lobster. The Galapagos National Park Directorate, (GNPD), evaluates the population status in the Archipelago each year to determine the appropriate management actions. They also supervise the fishing using strict measures according to the fishing calendar established by the environmental authority.
This fishing can be done every year, but only when the weather is favorable. It usually takes place between September and December. Galapagos visitors can enjoy the local delicacy of lobster, which is capable of surprising even the most discerning palates, during lobster season.
Galapagos’ ecosystems are dependent on marine and coastal environment protection. Galapagos Conservancy, together with Conservando Galapagos, congratulate the GNPD on their decades-long efforts to protect the marine resources of Galapagos.
Spiny Lobster © GNPD
Invasive species pose a threat to ecosystems and wildlife in Galapagos. Invasive insects can be tiny, but they are powerful invaders. Inadvertently, the avian Vampire Fly was introduced to Galapagos in 1960s. It was introduced onto poultry. It is now widespread in the Islands. Its bloodsucking larvae kill and maim most small landbird species. Introduced Fire Ants can also attack ground-dwelling species and even tortoise hatchlings.
Fire Ant © Galápagos National Park Directorate
Blackberry and Guava, invasive plants, overtake ecosystems and choke native plants. Other species are also affected by invasive plants like Blackberry and Guava. This includes insects that pollinate native plant species, birds such as the Vermillion Flycatcher, which require open habitats without invasive plants to forage, as well the reptiles of Galapagos, like tortoises, that depend on native plants for their food.
Blackberry groundcover at Los Gemelos © Joshua Vela/Galápagos Conservancy
My pet cat is my best friend at home. But in Galapagos introduced feral cats can become formidable predators. They can eat small birds, young tortoises and Lava Lizards. This can lead to rapid population declines. Adult Land Iguanas have suffered the most from free-roaming dogs on many of their islands. Canine distemper is also a problem for dogs and can pose a serious threat to beach-dwelling Sea Lions. Galapagos Conservancy promotes responsible pet ownership in the Islands through a partnership with WorldVet. This allows for sterilization and vaccination of cats and dogs.
Galapagos’ most destructive invasive mammal, the Black Rat, has been known to be an ecosystem-destroyer worldwide. These rodents eat tortoise eggs, birds eggs, native insects, as well as seeds from many plants. Native species are at risk of extinction from invasive rats: With only 20-30 Mangrove Finches left today, this species is considered Critically Endangered. This may partly be due to cats and rats attacking their nests. Black Rats have largely driven the native Rice Rats, and their endemic snails, to extinction.
Feral cat caught on wildlife camera © Galápagos Conservancy
Galapagos Conservancy supports the Agency for the Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos for five years. This agency conserves biodiversity by responding to the spread of invasive species and diseases that are transmissible to humans and wildlife. These agencies do amazing work and benefit from Galapagos Conservancy’s critical funding to address emergencies.
Galapagos Conservancy and ABG will continue to fight for the preservation of Galapagos from invasive species. They are like the amazing people I know in the U.S. clearing the prairies of invasive Buckthorn, and saving the American Chestnut from near extinction.