Through the Galapagos Initiative in 2024, the Galapagos Conservancy along with the Galapagos National Park Directorate achieved important breakthroughs for the preservation of the Galapagos Islands’ unique ecosystems. Our efforts to protect iconic species and restore their natural habitats reflect our unwavering commitment towards a sustainable future. Here are some of the most significant achievements from the past year:
Pink Iguanas: Protecting them from harm
Four scientific expeditions on Wolf Volcano were conducted to close knowledge gaps regarding the Pink Iguana a critically endangered reptile native to Galapagos. Over two million images have been collected using a network of cameratraps to monitor the iguana populations. In order to better understand the ecological niche of pink iguanas, the team deployed environmental sensors. The data collected will help us better understand the biology of pink iguanas and provide the basis for the species Conservation Plan that will be implemented in the next year to ensure the survival of the species and restore its habitat.
Tracking Giant Tortoise Movements
We now have 90 tortoises being monitored remotely across different islands. This is thanks to the devices attached to two six turtles on San Cristobal Island. This technology gives us valuable information about their migration patterns, nesting sites, and habitat use. These insights are crucial to understand the natural history and habitat of the Galapagos giant tortoises, and to develop more effective strategies for protecting their habitats.
Ecological Monitoring of Santa Fe Island
The ongoing ecological monitoring by our team on Santa Fe Island was critical to assessing the impact of the giant tortoise project, and the effects it had on the island ecosystems. Since 2015, 600 tortoises from Espanola Island were brought to the island to replace the extinct species. Field surveys conducted in 2024 confirmed that the tortoises were thriving and dispersing throughout the island. They also played a greater role in restoring island ecosystem. The presence of tortoises promotes the growth of cactus and reduces the overgrowth by woody plants. The population of the endemic Santa Fe Island land iguana continues to increase, indicating a positive interaction between the tortoises and the endemic iguana. Both herbivores are contributing to the slow recovery in the island’s eco-system.
Yellow Land Iguanas – Two Tales of Resilience and Restoration across the Archipelago
- Recapture of Yellow Land Iguanas on Isabela Island. Our team captured many yellow land iguanas after they were released from captivity. This success shows the effectiveness of head-starting and captive breeding programs in restoring a threatened species.
- Translocation of North Seymour Island to Santiago Island: The iguanas on North Seymour Island were used as “nurseries” to transfer to Santiago Island where they had been extinct for more than a century. After a rigorous quarantine, over 500 iguanas from North Seymour were relocated to the north of Santiago Island, where they have thrived and are showing signs of breeding.
Albatross Frequent Flyers
In the absence of giant tortoises, woody plants had grown over 50 landing sites that were critical for the Waved Albatross to access their nesting site on Espanola Island. The clearing of these areas will ensure safe landings for the albatrosses who are returning to their nesting area following their incredible migratory trips across the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Protecting Galapagos Petrel Nesting Areas
Santa Cruz Island was cleared of invasive blackberry plants, guava trees, and quinine shrubs. The Galapagos Petrel is a rare and endemic bird that nests only on the sides of volcanoes within the archipelago. Our team has also resumed monitoring nesting colonies in Santiago and Isabela Islands. They found the first chicks of the petrel on Isabela Island for decades, and provided vital data that will help assess conservation status on both islands.
Strengthening Giant Tortoise Protection on Isabela
We will intensify our efforts in 2024 to protect the giant turtles of southern Isabela. These tortoises are under severe threat from invasive species like fire ants and cattle. In 15 expeditions, we collected 72 eggs and two hatchlings from remote nesting sites on the Sierra Negra volcano. The nests were then carefully moved to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center in Isabela. This initiative is the first in more than 12 years and marks an important step towards accelerating the recovery.
These achievements demonstrate the impact that Galapagos Conservancy has had on the world’s most remarkable ecosystems. Each achievement demonstrates our commitment to protecting Galapagos’ unique biodiversity, and ensuring that this natural legacy continues for future generations.
