Team of Galápagos Conservancy

Safeguarding Galápagos Penguins from Climate Change

Galápagos Penguins are in decline due to the small population, restricted range, climate change, introduced predators, and loss of nesting sites. In 2010, Dr. Dee Boersma of the University of Washington and her research team built 120 high-quality nest sites in primary penguin nesting areas. Galápagos Conservancy funds Dr. Boersma’s team’s annual monitoring to evaluate the impact of the new nests on breeding.

  • Project Location

    Galápagos Islands

  • Program Launch

    2010

  • Artificial Nests Constructed and Monitored

    120

  • Partner

    University of Washington's Center for Ecosystem Sentinels

Why It Matters

Research ⮕ Solutions

Galapagos Penguin

Safety Zones

Based on Dr. Boersma’s recommendations, the Galápagos National Park Directorate created a marine protected area around Mariela Island — the highest-density breeding area for Galápagos Penguins. This will also benefit many other species of seabirds, marine mammals, and fish. Expanded protected areas recommended by Dr. Boersma are being considered.

Accomplishments

Nearly a quarter of all observed breeding activity has been in constructed nests. In some years, on Mariela Island, constructed nests have accounted for up to 43% of penguin breeding activity. Eggs, chicks, and molting Galápagos penguins can be found year-round. When food is abundant, the penguins can raise two chicks within three months.

Galapagos Penguin Nest by Dee Boersma
Galapagos Penguin Nest by Dee Boersma

Ongoing Work

Dr. Boersma’s team conduct annual population monitoring of Galápagos Penguins. Results show that the constructed nest sites increase reproductive success when food is available. Park rangers monitor the principal breeding sites, repairing nests when needed. The recommended targeted control of introduced predators is also implemented each year.

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