The yellow iguanas inhabit the lowlands in Galapagos. They were once widespread throughout the archipelago but are now restricted to a few places. Among them are three islands – Baltra, North Seymour and Santiago – whose fates past and present are closely intertwined.
This is the story
Galapagos Conservancy staff and Galapagos National Park Guards conducted a survey in 2022 of all iguanas across the islands. This included Baltra where land iguanas were extinct, but they have been reintroduced. Around the time of World War II, U.S. soldiers brought these iguanas to North Seymour as a joke from Baltra. Nearly 4,000 individuals now inhabit the island, a large number for such a small place. Iguanas have become so numerous that they are destroying the ecosystem of the island, which was not designed to accommodate them.
Not long after the war the Baltra population, which was the origin of North Seymour’s iguanas, went extinct – largely because introduced cats preyed on them. About 50 years after the cats were removed, iguanas from North Seymour were introduced to this island.
Recent island-wide surveys show that Baltra’s population of iguanas has rapidly rebounded. Nearly 2,500 of these fascinating creatures are now out and about. This is good news for the yellow iguanas but it could also mean more conflicts between humans and the reptiles on Baltra, especially at the airport where they have started to bask on the runways.
Where does the third island of Santiago fit in this story? The island used to be home to a large population of yellow-colored iguanas. Darwin commented on the fact that it was hard to pitch a camp in Santiago because there were so many burrows. The species was also eliminated in this area after invasive species decimated iguanas and their young.
Santiago is now a perfect habitat for iguanas. It could soon be the focal point for the translocation of land iguanas in North Seymour.
Galapagos Conservancy is planning an important mission to Santiago in 2023 to determine how to fully populate the island with yellow iguanas. This would allow the rapid rebuilding on Santiago, while also removing land iguanas in North Seymour where they don’t belong. Baltra would recover independently.
The story of three islands with their iguanas illustrates how interconnected efforts are in order to restore species on Galapagos. Scientists must take into account the unique characteristics of each island, while also adapting to any new opportunities that may arise.
Yellow land iguana ©Daniel Schweich
The majestic whale shark
The azure water surrounding the Galapagos Archipelago is home to a marine mystery that has captured the attention of explorers as well as nature lovers. The majestic whale shark is drawn to these waters for mysterious reasons. This story is about dedicated research, and the mission to preserve an iconic species.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon Typus)
The world’s biggest fish, it can exceed the size of a car. The skin of this fish is covered in white spots that create a pattern similar to a marine fingerprint. The majestic creature is found in tropical waters all over the world, and leaves an impression on anyone who has the good fortune to see it.
The mystery
Behind their beauty lies an interesting mystery. Researchers are trying to uncover a mystery about the Galapagos Whale Sharks: 99% are females, and appear pregnant. The islands are playing a vital role in the conservation of this species. Whale sharks migrate to Galapagos from July to September in what seems to be a long journey. Galapagos waters are home to expectant mothers who entrust their future to us. Galapagos Conservancy is at the forefront of this new era in research and conservation.
In 2021 and 2020
Galapagos Conservancy teamed up with researchers Jonathan Green, and Sofia to study the reproduction and life of whale sharks on the islands. The goal of the project was to uncover the secrets behind these magnificent creatures and help ensure their survival.
The Dr. Jorge Carrion
Our Director of Conservation pointed out that, beyond their beauty and rarity on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, whale sharks were classified as endangered. Studying these giants allows us to better understand their ecological importance in the archipelago. He said that the importance of this research cannot be understated.
The balance
It is vital to ensure marine balance in the Archipelago that every effort be made to study and preserve whale sharks. Whale sharks are a keystone species in the oceans and play a crucial role in marine ecologies. Its presence maintains balance in the marine food web by regulating the population of prey. Its migratory behaviour also contributes to the circulation and health of ocean ecosystems.
Scientists tagging a Whale Shark in Galápagos © Sofia Green
Save and protect this species
As guardians of the planet and lovers of nature, it’s vital that we all commit to protect these magnificent creatures in future generations. Each effort we make to protect these magnificent animals will have a direct impact on their survival, as well as the health and resilience ocean habitats that are vital to life on Earth. We can make sure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and richness of the oceans, and the whale shark, by uniting for this noble cause.
Whale Shark Day
Carrion said, “Every August 30th International Whale Shark Day gives us an opportunity to emphasize the importance of conserving a magnificent species.” We invite you join us in this valuable mission to ensure that whale sharks will continue to gracefully glide across the waters we all cherish.
The conservation of the ‘Enchanted Islands’ is a monumental task that the Galapagos National Park Directorate (DPNG) has taken on with firmness and passion. The 314 park rangers that make up the institution carry out a vital mission daily, protecting every corner of this world heritage. However, this effort shouldn’t be only a task for a few: continuous integration and collaboration with local communities and visitors are essential to ensure sustainable and conscious use of Galapagos’ natural wealth.
Working together with the DPNG is essential for our General Director, scientist Washington Tapia. This collaboration with the park rangers goes beyond a simple alliance; it’s a vital strategy. “Our purpose is not just to manage resources from the US to Galapagos. We are committed to ecosystem restoration and species recovery. Moreover, it is fundamental for us to promote projects that place the community at the center of conservation,” states Tapia.
The Galapagos Archipelago, being the first site to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list and meeting its four criteria, stands out for its uniqueness and global relevance. This distinction is due to its impressive natural beauty, its rich and unique species diversity, its volcanic origin, and its ever-changing geological dynamics. The presence of numerous animal and plant species, exclusive to these islands, underscores the significance of Galapagos as an invaluable legacy for all humanity. The 234 islands, islets, and rocks that make up the archipelago, according to the Galapagos Protected Areas Management Plan, house unique ecosystems that captivate and amaze the entire world.
Commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Galapagos Islands’ designation as a Natural World Heritage Site is not merely an act of celebration but a constant reminder of the responsibility that comes with protecting and preserving this biodiversity sanctuary. This distinction, beyond being an honorary title, is a call to action for both institutions and the global community to work together in conserving a place that, in essence, belongs to each and every one of us.
Iniciativa Galapagos, a collaboration between the Galapagos Conservancy (a non-profit organization) and the Galapagos National Park is one of the most significant conservation initiatives in Galapagos. Its focus was on rewilding the giant tortoises throughout the archipelago. The restoration of the Espanola Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis Hoodensis) is a notable achievement. The Critically Endangered Espanola Giant Tortoise has gone from 15 animals in 1960 to several thousand today. Diego is the father of many tortoises, and we owe him a special thanks for this incredible comeback.
In late 2020
After more than 80-years away, Diego could finally retire to his native land. It was well-deserved that Diego returned to Espanola, because his contributions in the reproductive department played an important role in the survival of his species. He is father or grandfather of about one third of all the approximately 3,000 Espanola Tortoises in existence today.
What has Diego been up to?
Even though he’s getting older, even as a tortoise he still travels a lot. He has been moving around in his home area of cactus tree for the past few months. A small GPS tracker is attached to his shell. This allows us to follow his five daily movements from afar. Diego will often stop at a single Opuntia tree to wait until a pad of cactus falls from the tree during dry seasons. He can then fetch the pad and have a snack. He ventures outside to look for grass for several weeks when it rains. Then he retreats to the shade under his Opuntia cactus tree for the remainder of the year.
Diego’s limited mobility and active life suggest that he has retired and is content with living out his remaining days on his own small island. Diego’s good health is a great thing and we will always be grateful for what he has done to help the Espanola giant tortoises recover in Galapagos.
The balance
Ecosystems are vital to the maintenance of balance on our planet. These areas where organisms interact and adapt to their environment are vital for the health of both humans and our planet. Galapagos Archipelago, with its rich marine-terrestrial environments, is a great example of the importance of ecosystems. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Pacific Ocean
The Galapagos Islands have a unique biodiversity. Galapagos is not only home to world-renowned, iconic species but also diverse ecosystems. These delicate ecosystems play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature.
Marine Ecosystems in Galapagos
The oceans are the basis of all life on earth, and Galapagos’ marine ecosystems are living proof of this. Galapagos Marine Reserve is the large area of water surrounding the islands. It hosts a wide variety of marine species, including colorful coral reefs creatures and fascinating marine iguanas.
The health of marine ecosystems is not only important for biodiversity, but also tourism and sustainable fishing. This has a significant impact on local and global economies. GMR is a World Heritage Site that protects important waters for marine biodiversity and maintains the health of terrestrial eco-systems. The importance of the GMR extends far beyond the islands. It contributes to the conservation and preservation of marine biodiversity worldwide.
Galapagos Terrestrial Ecosystems
Galapagos Archipelago has unique terrestrial ecosystems that include flora, fauna, Darwin’s Finches, Flightless Cormorants, marine and land Iguanas including the Galapagos Pink Iguana. Conservation of these terrestrial eco-systems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and the ecological processes which support life on these Islands.
Conservation of Galapagos requires a collaborative effort from the local community, scientists, and authorities to protect this natural treasure. Our Director of Conservation Dr. Galapagos marine and terrestrial ecologies are vital to the life of our planet, according to Dr. He said: “We must respect and recognize the beauty and importance of these environments to ensure they remain a heritage for future generations.”
Lonesome George
In an animated short film that highlights the importance of protecting threatened species, the iconic Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis Abingdonii) takes the spotlight. The “Lonesome George”, produced by Dorian Cambi & Andres Montasinos is expected to be an effective tool in raising awareness of the conservation efforts for Galapagos giant turtles.
George’s Story is an Insightful One
The lone tortoise, discovered on Pinta Island by a scientist in 1971 was thought to be the last specimen of its kind. Efforts were made for decades to find him a partner. In June 2012, it was revealed that he had died, highlighting the fragility and urgency of protecting endangered species.
George died without any descendants
Despite the Galapagos National Park Directorate’s (GNPD) relentless efforts to help him reproduce. The Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) made multiple attempts to help him reproduce, including keeping the male with females taken from Wolf Volcano Isabela Island. All the eggs were not fertile. The subsequent attempts to breed females of the Espanola island species also failed.
3D Animation
This moving story is sure to inspire viewers to act for wildlife conservation. The 3D animated short highlights the importance of saving endangered species, and the vulnerability to ecosystems that are home to George.
Even after his death, Lonesome George continues to live on in the form of his legacy
After his death, the remains of George were taxidermized at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City. He returned to Galapagos, in February 2017. George’s remains are now displayed in the Symbols of Hope Hall, located at the GNPD giant tortoise breeding centre on Santa Cruz Island. This is a permanent reminder of the irreversible decisions humans make.
The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is a vital location to learn about Galapagos giant turtle conservation. It is managed by the GNPD, in collaboration with Galapagos Conservancy. Since the center was opened in 1965 captive rearing has played a crucial role in restoring tortoise population. The rearing centers serve as a conservation tool, providing reproduction, incubation and rearing for the hatchlings. They also provide refuge for them, so they can grow up safely for five years. The juvenile tortoises are then released back onto their native islands once they have reached the physical requirements to survive.
Galapagos Conservancy’s role
It is crucial to be a strategic partner with the GNPD. We support conservation efforts to protect the Galapagos giant turtle populations. We also lead programs that reintroduce them into their natural habitats. This allows them to live free and fulfill their role of “ecosystem engineer” by restoring life on their island home.
Galapagos tortoises have become a symbol of conservation around the world
In 2022 we will launch the virtual Adopt A Giant Tortoise Program. This program creates a lasting relationship between a family or individual and a tortoise. Galapagos tortoises are known to live more than 100 years, so adopters’ children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will form a lasting bond with Galapagos, as well as a strong connection to conservation. Tortoise adoptions include naming their tortoise, accessing a personalized webpage with biannual updates on their tortoise up until it is released into the wild and a page that allows them to keep in touch.
We commend “Lonesome” George’s producers for their contribution to the Galapagos Conservancy and GNPD efforts to protect endangered species on a long-term basis. The short film, which is captivating and educational, will help to teach the importance of protecting fragile eco-systems and their unique animals like George. Together, we can move closer to an era where Galapagos tortoises, and other threatened species, like George, thrive. Our ecosystems will remain healthy, allowing them to continue providing services to humanity.