Galapagos Islands News

Everyone knows that the Galapagos Islands are a pristine haven for wildlife. These remote islands have been their own ecosystem for millennia and many of the Galapagos species are endemic, or not found anywhere else in the world. But the Galapagos Islands were discovered by man in the sixteenth century and colonized in the nineteenth. The hardy men and women who came to Galapagos brought domestic animals and plants with them, and these often competed with native species. Today, unfortunately, there are several Galapagos bird species that are considered at very high risk for extinction. Here are some and what is being done to protect them.

The Isabela Island Mangrove Finch:

The most critically endangered of the finches, the Mangrove Finch is a small, brownish-green bird found in certain Isabela Island mangroves. The population has been in decline for some time now and some scientists estimate there may be less than 100 adult mangrove finches left. Their habitat is very specific: thick mangroves located a good distance from the sea. Their habitat has been decreasing as the population of Isabela Island grows. Pressure from introduced species such as rats, cats and fire ants has also taken its toll.

Isabela is a highly volcanic island and with the birds inhabiting a limited area, an eruption or other natural disaster in the right place could severely affect the population. Scientists are actively protecting the mangrove finches, trying to control invasive species and investigating the possibility of moving some to other suitable areas.

The Waved Albatross

This mighty bird breeds exclusively on Española Island, so it is considered endangered simply because the population is vulnerable to a natural disaster or new introduced species. Also, albatross populations have been declining due to fishing nets which trap them far out at sea and ingestion of toxins and pollution. Some people even hunt them for food! During El Niño years, populations of albatrosses may also decline sharply.

Scientists have been closely monitoring the albatrosses, controlling introduced species and negotiating with international fishing organizations for the control of harmful practices. Because of these efforts, populations have stabilized and researchers are hopeful.

The Galapagos Penguin

The Galapagos Penguin is a truly remarkable bird. Most penguins love the cold and their populations are found in Antarctica or in southern parts of Chile and Argentina. Not only is the Galapagos Penguin the exception, but it lives on the Equator! The Galapagos Penguin still likes things relatively cool: they only breed in the colder waters near Fernandina and Isabela.

It is the small population of these magnificent birds that is cause for concern. Experts estimate there are only about 2,000 Galapagos Penguins in the islands. The 1997-1998 El Niño climate phenomenon devastated the population, wiping out as much as 65% of the penguins. Although the population is once again stable, there is fear that another such disaster could deal a death blow to the penguin population. They are also vulnerable to introduced species such as cats and rats and man-made disasters such as oil spills.

A recent study of the penguins by experts predicted a 30% possibility of their extinction in the next century. Scientists have been working hard to prevent this, taking yearly census counts of the penguins and working to preserve their habitat.

The Galapagos Petrel

The Galapagos Petrel is a small, black/brown and white bird that nests in the highlands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana and Santiago Islands. They nest in burrows, which unfortunately makes them highly vulnerable to introduced species such as cats and rats. Increased cattle ranching in the highlands has also devastated petrel habitat and harmed the population.

The Galapagos Petrel is considered critically endangered and scientists have been protecting them very actively since 1980: it is possible that if it had not been for the efforts of Charles Darwin Research Station workers the petrel would be extinct now. The population currently seems to be increasing, which is very good news indeed!