In the last four decades, the Galapagos Sea Lions and Galapagos Fur Seals have seen significant population declines due to the changing climate, pollution and invasive species. These pinnipeds have been listed on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
©Joshua Vela
Dr. Diego Paez-Rosas is leading the research, a distinguished Galapagos Marine Scientist at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. He is supported by USFQ researchers and the Galapagos National Park Directorate. Paez-Rosas, who has been working on marine megafauna research for the past two decades, calls Galapagos pinnipeds the “sea sentinels”. By studying their behavior, they can gain insight into the health of the ecosystem.
Experts say that climate change has a tendency to increase the frequency and intensity of El Nino events, which increases ocean temperatures. This temperature increase in the Galapagos Marine Reserve causes a decrease in productivity, and the food resources of the pinnipeds become scarcer.
They have a diverse diet, which bodes well for their ability to adapt to future changes in marine life communities brought on by climate change. Their diet is diverse, which means they will be able to adapt well to the future changes that climate change may bring about in marine life communities.
Galapagos Conservancy Director of Conservation Dr. Jorge Carrion said that the research would produce baseline data to help conserve the Galapagos Pinnipeds. It will also allow researchers to examine the long-term impacts of climate change.
Galapagos Conservancy thanks Dr. Diego Paez Rosas for his contributions to the conservation and protection of Galapagos ecosystems. His research on the relationship between Galapagos Pinnipeds and climate change will help conserve these species.
©Joshua Vela
El Niño, which is a global climate anomaly, can affect the Galapagos Archipelago. El Niño-Southern Oscillation disrupts the ecosystems of the Galapagos Archipelago with increased ocean temperatures and rainfall. This affects marine species negatively, while benefiting some terrestrial species. It also challenges the cacti-dominated terrain and increases the risks from invasive plant species. El Niño will affect virtually all aspects of island life, according to Washington Tapia, Galapagos Conservancy’s General Director.
El Nino’s effects on terrestrial life: A balance between the two
©Joshua Vela
Galapagos Giant Tortoises These iconic creatures showed mixed reactions to previous El Niño events. Adapting to the 1982-83 El Nino, they moved lower in elevation. The 1997-98 event, however, caused many nests to flood and disrupt breeding, but increased food availability. This boosted growth and survival rates.
Landbirds Due to the increased growth of plants and insect production, these terrestrial birds, some of which are unique to Galapagos tend to increase their reproduction. The increase in breeding that occurs during El Niño is countered, however, by diseases such as avian pox.
Rodents and Invertebrates. Although limited data is available, certain rodents and reptiles are dependent on predictable rainfall patterns. Invertebrates are also likely to be challenged, especially by invasive species that thrive in moister conditions. Most species, however, thrive under El Niño because of the relief from drought that increased rainfall provides.
Plant life: Flora is generally more abundant during El Niño, thanks to the sudden abundance of water in a typically dry environment. However, some species are affected.
©Joel Sangolqui
Marine Fauna: Fighting the Warmth El Nino is a warming phenomenon that can be disastrous for marine species.
Green Sea Turtles and Marine Iguanas : As primary food sources diminish due to warmer sea conditions, this animals experience significant mortality during El Niño. This is exemplified in the 90% decrease in marine iguanas in 1997-1998.
Sea Lions During El Niño, sea temperatures rise and there are fewer fish for the animals to eat. This causes a drastic decline in their population.
Marine birds: Penguins and Flightless Cormorants are often seen to skip breeding. They also experience an increase in mortality due to lack of food and spread out widely looking for food.
Human Community: El Nino’s socioeconomic effects can put human resilience to the test.
©Barrett Walker
El Niño poses significant challenges for the Galapagos Islands’ economic foundations, especially in tourism and fisheries.
Tourism could be affected by climate change due to the decline of key species. This would affect visitor numbers and experiences.
The fishing industry is vital for local communities. However, it faces threats due to changes in marine species’ abundance caused by rising temperatures and changes in upwelling patterns – the process in which cold waters rich in nutrients from deep oceans rise to the surface. Modifications in the upwelling pattern can affect fish populations and disrupt the food chain. It is vital to ensure the sustainability of fishing practices and emblematic species in the face of climate change.
The human well-being can also be affected by invasive species. Flooding can also damage infrastructure, such as roads.
©Joshua Vela
Looking Ahead:
To ensure resilience for local communities and unique biodiversity, planning and anticipation are key. Tapia says that taking action now is an invitation to “protect our past and create a sustainable future on this iconic archipelago.”
El Niño, and the climate change it brings with it in Galapagos, are ultimately a call to global and local action. Galapagos is a unique jewel that requires collaboration, adaptation, behavior change, and conservation.
©Joshua Vela
Galapagos also hosts over 30,000 residents who work, study, and live in this natural paradise. The island communities are crucial in determining the future of these lands. Most Galapagos residents are dependent on terrestrial and marine resources to survive.
Environmental education is the common thread that unites the community in its efforts to protect and conserve.
Galapagos Conservancy is deeply committed to the cause and spearheads an education program on sustainability that will change perspectives and actions for present and future generations. Over 7,000 students can learn from 450 educators who are trained in sustainability pedagogy about their role in protecting these islands. Environmental education is not limited to the classroom. It permeates every home, street and pathway. Conservation becomes a part of the fabric of daily life.
Galapagos Conservancy has a significant impact on the world beyond classrooms through its grants for conservation. It supports local projects and initiatives that aim to pioneer the protection of this unique eco-system. This community collaboration, which includes 135 projects on the islands, serves as a link between the locals and their natural heritage. It also highlights the diversity and commitment of the efforts to protect Galapagos.
We are extending an invitation to action today. Your support and participation in this collective effort for a sustainable tomorrow is needed by the Galapagos Archipelago. Your contribution strengthens the bonds between the community and conservation. Each sustainable practice that you implement in your community makes the future of our planet brighter. You can help protect biodiversity and beauty by joining Galapagos Conservancy. Your participation in this journey towards a future in which the Galapagos Archipelago is in its full splendor, is crucial.
We can continue to amaze and inspire future generations with the help of the unwavering community commitment and your invaluable support.
The entire archipelago suffers as the temperature and nutrients levels in the waters of Galapagos fluctuate. El Niño’s warm spell is bad for marine life that thrives under the cooler conditions of the Humboldt. Sea lions and boobies are among the animals that struggle to find food. They often give up breeding and extend their range to search for food.
The warm seas evaporate more water, increasing the amount of rain on the usually dry and hot archipelago. The influx of rainfall in Galapagos has profound effects on the land. Rain triggers a far greater productivity of land and alleviates the usual drought conditions in Galapagos. The rain triggers a surge in plant growth, insect proliferation, and many wildlife types double or triple their reproduction.
El Niño, a natural phenomenon that occurs every 2-7 year, has increased in intensity since the end of the 20th century. This may be due to greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans, but this direct cause is not yet confirmed. We can only watch as it unfolds, but we know that Galapagos is going to face many challenges. Galapagos faces many challenges, including heavy rainfall, warm unproductive waters, and sea-level rises such as the 45 centimeters in 1997-1998.
We support many efforts in the archipelago, helping both wildlife and humans adapt to El Niño. This includes assisting municipalities with impending infrastructure threats, anticipating increased invasive species controls on land, as well as preparing for the recovery of coral reefs. We can only continue this vital work with your support.
Please accept my sincere thanks
Galapagos Conservancy received recognition during the donation ceremony, for its commitment to the long-term conservation and protection of the Galapagos ecosystem and species. Our President, Dr. James Gibbs received an honorary badge in recognition of his outstanding contribution to biosecurity from the Agency of Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation. This event highlighted not only the importance of collaboration between organizations and local government, but also Galapagos Conservancy’s crucial role in the archipelago. It also emphasized the vital link between teamwork and institutional support and the conservation and biodiversity of Galapagos.
Innovative Microchips Improve Pet Management
©Galápagos Conservancy
Microchips, despite their small size, are highly effective at providing unique and permanent identification for pets. These microchips, which are usually implanted beneath the skin of the neck or nape, do not harm or cause pain to animals. These chips store an electronic unique identification number which can be read by a radio-frequency identification (RFID scanner). This technology securely links the animal with its owner’s information and its identity.
Washington Tapia has highlighted the importance of this contribution. He said: “This initiative will help improve the proper management for domestic cats and dogs on the populated island and protect our unique biodiversity.” This donation is an important step in addressing the issue of stray cats and dogs interacting with native species.
Positive Impact on Urban Coexistence and Conservation
Donating microchips has many benefits. They not only improve the health of communities, but they also benefit wildlife and local communities in Galapagos. Microchips help to speed up the reunion between lost pets and their owners. This reduces stress for both animals and owners.
These devices are more effective in management because they provide vital information for monitoring stray animals and sterilization campaigns. A microchipped animal may also discourage owners from abandoning animals and encourage more responsible care.
The microchip is essential to ensure pet ownership laws are adhered to. Microchips help to adhere to the existing rules and create a more orderly and respectful urban environment. They also improve the quality of our pets’ lives and their well-being.
Microchips will help improve the management and control of Galapagos animals. According to the Agency of Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation of Galapagos a comprehensive pet census is currently underway in each of the province’s cantons. All pets must be microchipped in order to prevent inter-island travel and the illegal importation of dogs and cat into Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands: A Sustainable Alternative
We are committed towards sustainability, conservation of iconic species and support for institutions that help manage the Galapagos Archipelago. The importance of collaboration is illustrated by our recent donation to the Galapagos Biosecurity Regulation Agency. Galapagos Conservancy aims to foster harmonious coexistence of humans and the incredible wildlife on this archipelago.
©Galápagos Conservancy
A species of flycatcher appears to be extinct in Galapagos. Is another species in danger of extinction?
Scientists comparing genes of the so-called “Vermilion flycatchers” in Galapagos seven years ago realized that they were looking at two different species. The birds in question were not the Vermilion flycatchers ( Pyrocephalus obscure), which are common throughout the Americas. They were of a completely different species.
Experts soon discovered that one of the newly recognized species had not been seen in its native island of San Cristobal for decades. San Cristobal Flycatchers ( Pyrocephalus dubus ) have been declared extinct, though there are still reports of sightings.
©Agustin Gutiérrez
Black rats devour the eggs of birds, while parasitic avian vampire flies (em>Philornis downsi/em>) feed on the blood of chicks in nests. The larvae of the parasitic vampire fly ( Philornis Downsi ) feed on blood from the chicks that survive the hatching process. Introduced blackberry plants are choking out the native species on which this brightly colored bird relies for survival.
Galapagos Conservancy has been working with our partners, the Galapagos National Park Directorate, and other strategic partners to combat these threats. The results have been promising.
Scientists offer nesting material that is “self-fumigating”, treated with insecticides, to eliminate parasites in bird nests. Traps have also been placed throughout the archipelago in order to catch adult flies and prevent them from reproducing. Conservationists also work to reduce blackberry thickets, and restore native habitats.
The efforts are paying off. Twelve chicks have been born this year on Santa Cruz Island, a remarkable achievement considering that only 15 Galapagos flycatcher breeding pairs remain on the island. This was an important milestone for the bird.
Together with the Galapagos National Park Directorate we now support the expansion of this effort onto the other island where this unique specie is found. We hope to secure a better future for these stunning flycatchers, and the unique eco-systems that support their existence.
©Paul Salaman