Source:  International Galapagos Tour Operators Association
December 2006

El Niño is Coming

Scientists say that a new El Niño is building. They have been seeing a steep rise in water temperature in the eastern Pacific. It is likely to strengthen this year and into early 2007.

Fortunately, it appears to be weaker than past El Niño's, which at times (1982-83 and 1987) have been quite destructive of wildlife.

During an El Niño, sea temperatures rise and rainfall increases. Animals that feed on marine life, like Blue Footed Boobies and Sea Lions, suffer because fish move away to cooler waters. Galapagos Penguins have been hit especially hard. On the other hand, vegetation flourishes and land birds thrive.

Another problem, say researchers at the Charles Darwin Research Station, relates to insect populations. Mosquitoes will have more places to breed, thus increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Related to this is the long-term effect of global warming. The World Wildlife Fund just this month issued a report saying that global warming could cause widespread bird extinctions in some areas. "From migratory insect-eaters to tropical honeycreepers and cold water penguins, birds are highly sensitive to changing weather conditions and many are already being affected badly by global warming," the new study said.

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