Endangered Species Action Campaign

Campaign Overview

In the air, on land, and in the sea, there are countless endangered species in the Galapagos Islands that need our immediate help. Scores of Galapagos species are currently on the “Red List” issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

IUCN’s Red List provides the final word on the conservation status of the world’s plant and animal species. It’s the definitive guide for determining which species are most at risk for extinction. Galapagos Conservancy and our partners have a big responsibility to save Galapagos species on the Red List.

But, to rescue endangered Galapagos plants and animals and remove them from the Red List – and to keep new species from earning this dubious distinction – we need special support from our members.

Threatened marine species

In the waters surrounding Galapagos, shark species are falling victim to law-breaking profiteers who catch sharks, cut off their fins (which are a delicacy in some parts of the world), and then throw the mutilated corpses back into the water.

Meanwhile, Galapagos penguins – the only tropical penguins in the world – are under intense pressure from El Niño weather events that periodically raise ocean temperatures and kill off their food supply.

Less apparent to the eye but no less important to the health of the marine ecosystem in Galapagos is the ongoing degradation of coral species. Due to global warming and rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching is occurring, which could eventually lead to death of the corals, robbing many other marine creatures of their habitat and food, and leading to significant changes in the islands’ coastal areas.

Threatened terrestrial species

On dry land, the situation is just as challenging for a number of high-profile species.

For example, you can’t talk about endangered animals on Galapagos without mentioning the islands’ living symbol – the giant tortoise. From the early 1800s to the mid 1900s, tortoises were slaughtered for their meat and oil by whalers, fur sealers, and colonists. Thanks to the strong support of Galapagos Conservancy members, the giant tortoise is making a comeback, with more than 4,000 captively-bred reptiles already repatriated to eight populations throughout the islands.

Still, the International Union for Conservation of Nature says that Galapagos tortoises are vulnerable – some populations still face a high risk of extinction in the wild. This precarious status is a clear sign that although tortoises have come a long way, they are not out of the woods yet.

Giant tortoises depend on specific vegetation for food and survival. And that’s why we must take broader action to protect the plant species that support the tortoises and a host of other animals in Galapagos.

Today, nearly 60% of the 168 endemic plant species– those found only in Galapagos – are close to extinction. They are threatened by goats and other introduced herbivores, competition from introduced plants, and the destruction of their natural habitat by both human activity and introduced mammals. Although the eradication of goats from islands such as Isabela is allowing some species to recover, others still require urgent conservation action.

Of special concern is the Opuntia cactus, one of the signature plants on Galapagos. Found in the lowlands and easily recognizable by its yellow flowers and green prickly pear fruits, Opuntia cacti are a vital resource for a variety of wildlife. Flat, spiny Opuntia pads are a key food source for tortoises and land iguanas. Prickly pear fruits are eaten by iguanas, doves, and mockingbirds. Several species of Darwin’s finches eat the flowers, fruits, and seeds, and get water by pecking the pads. Birds also disperse the seeds to help the cacti reproduce.

Today, one species of Opuntia found on southern Isabela is critically endangered. And unless we take broader action to rein in invasive species such as goats, donkeys, pigs, and cattle that are destroying the Opuntia, we can’t be assured of their survival.

Sadly, the situation is just as grave for many bird species in Galapagos. In fact, the tropical blue skies over the islands have offered little sanctuary for a number of birds that are teetering on the brink of extinction. For instance, you may be familiar with the rare Floreana mockingbird. Since 1880, this species has been extinct on Floreana Island. Even so, two tiny groups of the mockingbirds are clinging to survival on two of Floreana’s satellite islets. The most recent study showed there are approximately 79 of these birds remaining in the wild. Making matters worse, these small, isolated populations are extremely vulnerable to severe drought and the potential introduction of rats. If suitable steps are not taken to protect the Floreana mockingbird immediately, this could be the first extinct bird species in Galapagos.

Along these lines, the IUCN recently uplisted the waved albatross, a spectacular creature that can soar high above the ocean for hours on its massive wings. As recently as 2007, the waved albatross was classified as “vulnerable.” Now, these birds are deemed “critically endangered” and face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Albatrosses are in trouble because they are getting caught and killed on massive, pelagic long-lines. Because waved albatrosses require both parents to raise chicks, the loss of mature birds has been devastating. With fewer breeding pairs available, the albatross population is already showing signs of trouble and could easily crash.

Project investments

To move forward with the conservation programs that will help protect endangered species in the archipelago, Galapagos Conservancy needs your support of our Endangered Species Action Campaign. Working with our partners at the Charles Darwin Research Station, the Galapagos National Park Service, and other local stakeholders, we will:

Invest in high-tech research programs that will help scientists gather key information on sharks such as their population status, feeding habits, and migration patterns.

Protect Galapagos penguins by conducting an annual census that will help Park management make informed conservation decisions that shield these playful creatures from the most damaging consequences of El Niño weather events.

Move forward with the Pinta Island tortoise restoration program, which is critical to restoring these giant reptiles to their historic range.

Tighten the quarantine system to keep invasive species out of Galapagos and to reduce the grave threat they pose to the survival of endangered species like the Opuntia cacti and the Floreana mockingbird.

Work with government officials, the fishing industry, and our conservation partners to implement strategies that will ensure a bright future for the waved albatross.

Support Galapagos Conservancy and our Endangered Species Action Campaign today. Our success depends on our members’ involvement.

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