Satellite Animal Trackers: A Conservation Tool in Galapagos
Galapagos Conservation is committed to protecting the Galapagos Islands’ unique ecosystems. This commitment is reflected by our use of advanced technology in our conservation programs. This installment of our series on technological innovation highlights how satellite animal tracking is revolutionizing the conservation efforts of gigantic tortoises. These iconic species play a crucial role in the dynamics and ecology of the archipelago’s terrestrial ecosystems. These devices are state-of-the art and provide vital data to inform our conservation and management activities, improving our ability to protect and understand these majestic creatures.
Satellite Tracking in Conservation: A Revolution!
Satellite tracking devices have revolutionized the way we monitor endangered animals. These devices are small (2×2 inches), lightweight (7 ounces), and can be attached directly to adult tortoises’ shells without harming them. These devices are equipped with a GPS chip which records the tortoise’s location every six hours. The coordinates are then sent via satellite to enable us to track their movements in real-time and collect detailed information on their behavior.
Diego is a famous giant tortoise and a prime example of the technology being used in our conservation program. The GPS tracker on Diego’s shell, which was attached in June 2020 to his return to the wild Espanola Island after more than 80 years of captivity allowed our scientists to monitor Diego’s adaptation and ensure its well-being. Diego’s story illustrates how satellite tracking deepens our understanding of animals and their fate.
The giant tortoises of Isabela Island are another example of the impact this technology has had. The tracking of tortoises for two years revealed that males reached up to 1,200 meters in altitude and traveled up to 20 km. Females were more likely to move less and stay at lower elevations. These observations show behavioral differences in the sexes, and how climate change may affect their migration routes and impact their health and survival.
The advanced technology minimizes the need for physical presence by our researchers in sensitive habitats. This ensures that animals and habitats are not disturbed. This technology allows timely adjustments to ensure that conservation strategies are robust, responsive and effective as environmental conditions change.
The tracking devices not only provide valuable insight into the giant tortoises seasonal migrations but also highlight the role they play in the dispersal of seeds across the Galapagos. These devices show how tortoises, which retain the seeds that they eat for nearly a whole month in their digestive tracts, move slowly and steadily up to 1 km per day. This process is vital for the regeneration of vegetation and the health of the Galapagos ecosystems.
Conservation: Challenges and the Future
Satellite animal trackers are essential tools to help us better understand giant tortoises that live in remote, vast areas. These areas can be difficult to reach or monitor on the ground due logistical challenges. These ecosystems are isolated and require ongoing planning to protect them.
Future conservation efforts in the Galapagos depend on the integration of new technologies as well as the support of donors and supporters. Your commitment is vital to protect this unique archipelago, and to ensure that the Galapagos tortoises legacy endures for future generations.
Silent Guardians of Galapagos wildlife: Trail cameras
A Trail Camera Network in Galapagos
We have strategically placed trail cameras on several islands, including b>Isabela/b>, b>Santa Cruz/b> and ‘b>Santa Fe/b>. We have strategically placed cameras on several islands including Isabela Santa Cruz Santa Fe and Espanola. The cameras are in operation for several months and capture millions of images as well as data, such as the environmental conditions.
Use of trail cameras for research and monitoring
At Galapagos Conservancy, trail cameras play a vital role in our research. The cameras also help environmental authorities combat wildlife trafficking and poaching. Numerous cameras are positioned at key locations, including nesting sites of important species. This provides us with photographic evidence that documents animal activity and human trespass. Cameras are essential for protecting Galapagos fauna and flora.
Photo: ©Galápagos Conservancy
Pink Iguanas: A Study
We have installed over 50 trail cameras on the Isabela Island slopes, the largest Galapagos Island. These cameras are used to monitor the habitats of Pink Iguanas. ( Conolophus Marthae ). The species was discovered in 1986, and described formally in 2009. It is an endemic of Galapagos. These images help us understand the natural history of the reptiles and the threats that they face.
The footage shows that cats are preying on the young iguanas when they leave their nests underground. The Galapagos National Park Directorate has used this important discovery to develop strategies for protecting hatchling pink Iguanas. This species is near extinction, with only 300 individuals left.
Analyzing images and converting them to data
Our proprietary software organizes and classes the millions of photos our cameras take to create a comprehensive report of what and where was found. This analysis gives us a deeper understanding of species rarity and abundance, population dynamics and behaviour. The cameras, which are set up for long periods of time, allow us to determine population trends and better understand wildlife needs. We can then adjust our conservation strategy and respond effectively to new challenges. Data-driven approaches are essential to developing accurate protection measures, and ensuring that Galapagos’ unique ecosystems are conserved.
Conservation in Galapagos: The Future
Galapagos Conservancy strives to improve our conservation efforts while expanding our technology. We can increase our monitoring abilities and raise global awareness by integrating trail cameras. This will help us gain support for protecting one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world.
We need to gather information in order to make informed decisions and adjust our strategies as necessary. In our next article, we’ll explore how we innovate our efforts in Galapagos with monitoring technology. These devices are complementary and provide us with crucial information on animal migration that helps us better understand the habitat requirements for several species.
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.
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.
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
Galapagos Protected Areas: History
Galapagos is divided into two protected areas. The Galapagos National Park was created in 1959. It covers an area of 8,720 square kilometers (20,720 sq miles), which is 97% of the land area of the archipelago. The Galapagos Islands are renowned worldwide for their exceptional biodiversity and volcanically active landscape.
In 2001, the Galapagos Marine Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It originally covered 50,000 square miles (133000 square kilometers) making it the largest marine reserve in the world. The Hermandad Marine Reserve (or “Brotherhood”) was created in 2022 to increase the marine protected area from 50,000 square miles to 76,000 square kilometers. The expansion also includes a no-take zone, responsible fishing zones, and a protection of migratory species such as whale sharks and hammerheads sharks.
Protected Areas: Their Vital Role
It is important that on the National Day of the National System of Protected Areas we highlight the vital role these protected areas play in protecting the marine and terrestrial biodiversity of Galapagos. Protected areas are not only important for conserving animal and plant species, they safeguard the natural heritage of the archipelago. They also play an important role in the wellbeing of the local communities by supporting the thriving ecotourism sector that is the backbone of the Galapagos economy.
Galapagos Sustainability Commitment
We are proud to be able to support the Galapagos National Park Directorate with its efforts to conserve and maintain the protected areas on the archipelago. Their exemplary management is a model for conservation of fragile ecosystems around the world.
We have witnessed both challenges and achievements in protecting this natural treasure. We remain committed to supporting scientific research, environmentally responsible activities and activities that encourage a sustainable relationship between people and nature on Galapagos. We are thankful for the support we receive from our donors and strategic partners. Their commitment allows us to continue our mission of protecting the Galapagos Islands.