While much remains to be done to preserve Galapagos for the future, the combined efforts of organizations at work in Galapagos and individuals and organizations in the US and other parts of the world have resulted in important signs of progress:
Endemic plant and animal populations previously on the brink of extinction are recovering through pioneer giant tortoise and land iguana repatriation programs, large-scale island restoration initiatives, and targeted invasive species control.
Thanks to Project Isabela, an area the size of Rhode Island will soon be free from feral goats and pigs. As a result, Galapagos rails are thriving, petrels are nesting in previously degraded areas, and vegetation such as tree ferns and endemic Scalesia arebecoming re-established.
The local population in Galapagos is becoming more engaged in conservation through the participatory management mechanisms and a range of environmental education initiatives. Efforts to identify sustainable economic alternatives for local fisherman are gaining momentum.
Nearly 1,000 domestic dogs and cats have been spayed and neutered as part of a pet population control program. If remained unchecked, out-of-control pet populations would pose serious problems for fragile ecosystems, spreading disease and preying on native birds and reptiles.
Surveys of numerous marine and terrestrial species have been conducted. This work has supported red listing of endemic flora, rediscovery of "extinct" species, and implementation of emergency measures to protect critically threatened populations.
A giant tortoise was spotted at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island. Tortoises had not been seen there for more than a century, and this sighting indicates that Espanola tortoises are achieving sufficient numbers to expand their movements over the entire island.
The successful release of the Australian Ladybug, the natural enemy of the invasive cottony cushion scale, is controlling this pest which has threatened native and invasive plant species.
Endemic plant and animal populations previously on the brink of extinction are recovering through pioneer giant tortoise and land iguana repatriation programs, large-scale island restoration initiatives, and targeted invasive species control.
Thanks to Project Isabela, an area the size of Rhode Island will soon be free from feral goats and pigs. As a result, Galapagos rails are thriving, petrels are nesting in previously degraded areas, and vegetation such as tree ferns and endemic Scalesia arebecoming re-established.
The local population in Galapagos is becoming more engaged in conservation through the participatory management mechanisms and a range of environmental education initiatives. Efforts to identify sustainable economic alternatives for local fisherman are gaining momentum.
Nearly 1,000 domestic dogs and cats have been spayed and neutered as part of a pet population control program. If remained unchecked, out-of-control pet populations would pose serious problems for fragile ecosystems, spreading disease and preying on native birds and reptiles.
Surveys of numerous marine and terrestrial species have been conducted. This work has supported red listing of endemic flora, rediscovery of "extinct" species, and implementation of emergency measures to protect critically threatened populations.
A giant tortoise was spotted at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island. Tortoises had not been seen there for more than a century, and this sighting indicates that Espanola tortoises are achieving sufficient numbers to expand their movements over the entire island.
The successful release of the Australian Ladybug, the natural enemy of the invasive cottony cushion scale, is controlling this pest which has threatened native and invasive plant species.
If you wish to read more about the conservation in the Galapagos Islands please follow this link:
No comments:
Post a Comment