New Study Confirms the Genetic Diversity of Galápagos Giant Tortoises: 13 Distinct Species

The last known survivor of the Fernandina Island tortoise species, currently protected at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center on Santa Cruz Island.

A pioneering genetic study revealed that the Galapagos Archipelago giant tortoises were in fact 13 genetically different species. This discovery, supported by Galapagos Conservation marks an important milestone in understanding the unique biodiversity of the archipelago and highlights the importance of updated taxonomic data to guide tortoise conservancy. Genetic Breakthroughs shed new light Researchers at […]

Advancing the Conservation of the Galápagos Petrel on Santiago Island

A pair of Galápagos petrels nesting.

The Galapagos petrel ( Pterodroma Phaeopygia ) struggles to survive in the harsh terrain of Santiago Island. This seabird, which is unique to the archipelago and genetically different on each island it nests on, is a sensitive indicator for changes in the marine environment, where it feeds, and the terrestrial environment, where it nests. The […]

Empowering the Galápagos Community to Protect Their Environment

Workshop on storytelling for youth and children, where participants developed communication skills to express their ideas and emotions in front of an audience.

The “Galapagos My Responsibility” project is supported by Galapagos Conservation and conservation grant. It sets a new standard in environmental education for children and youths on Santa Cruz Island. This initiative, led by Alberto Andrade – an environmentalist and grant recipient – implements a number of activities to educate and motivate the community in order […]

Strategic Collaboration to Protect the Giant Tortoises of Southern Isabela Island

A park ranger collects tortoise eggs on southern Isabela during one of the 15 expeditions supported by Galápagos Conservancy.

Protecting the Galápagos Giant Tortoises on Isabela Island Isabela Island, home to five of the twelve remaining species of Galápagos giant tortoises, is facing a serious challenge due to invasive species that threaten the survival of these iconic creatures. In collaboration with the Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), we have launched critical conservation initiatives to […]

Collaboration in Conserving Isabela Island’s Wildlife

Freddy Tupiza, a technician with Galápagos Conservancy's Scalesia Project, in southern Isabela

Galapagos Conservancy is deeply committed to the preservation of the archipelago’s unique biodiversity. In order to achieve this mission we work closely with the Galapagos National Park Directorate as well as the local community in several key projects that address urgent conservation needs. We visited Isabela Island recently to evaluate the progress and accomplishments of […]