INVASIVE SPECIES IN GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

ACTIVE MANAGEMENT

introduced plants and animals represent the single greatest threat to the terrestrial ecosystems of Galapagos.

Since the discovery of Galapagos in 1535, humans have brought many alien species to the islands

some intentionally, including goats, pigs, cats, and both ornamental and food plants

others, including rodents, insects, and weedy plants, have been carried to the islands accidentally.

the islands’ isolation makes the native plants and animals so vulnerable to new arrivals.

the native plant and animals species of Galapagos evolved and thrived in a world with little predation or competition.

Invasive species introduced in Galapagos

A total of 36 vertebrate species: mammals, primarily goats, rats, cats, pigs, and dogs.

750 introduced plant species have been registered in Galapagos, with nearly 90% of them brought deliberately by humans for agricultural and ornamental purposes

Approximately 543 alien insect species

Efforts to combat invasive species

Started with the establishment of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in 1959

the national park and marine reserve are iconic model conservation sites and are recognised as such by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. In 2007 UNESCO added Galapagos to their list of World Heritage in Danger.

The Galapagos Inspection and Quarantine System (SICGAL) was established in 1990

Community education programs

Biological control was first used in Galapagos beginning in 2002, to control the cottony cushion scale

the Australian ladybug, Rodolia cardinalis, was released in 2008 had proven effective at reducing the scale population to manageable levels.

in March 2006, the Project Isabela led to the eradication of feral goats and donkeys from northern Isabela, goats, donkeys, and pigs from Santiago, and goats from Pinta.

Field trials on smaller islands helped to hone the team for the large-scale work on Isabela and resulted in the achievement of additional Galapagos conservation goals.

Cutting-edge technology, including the use of helicopters for aerial hunting and GIS tracking, ensured swift and efficient removal of the feral goats.

the vegetation underwent an amazing recovery: small trees regenerated; highland shrub species, forest tree seedlings, Opuntia cactus, and other endemic species increased.

extensive fieldwork and creative management to catalog, conserve, and permit the natural recovery of the vegetation

Current research is focused on ensuring that ecosystem restoration proceeds towards a more pristine condition

Prevention and Awareness

Strengthen the inspection capabilities of the Galapagos Inspection and Quarantine System through improved training and equipment

Expand Community Monitoring Projects (CMPs) to achieve greater participation of the local population in identifying and responding to new invasive species

Strengthen education programs in schools and Environmental Education Centers

Introduced Vertebrates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kjO8LPsAcvs