The results of baseline and monitoring programs, together with the input received from Galapagos stakeholders, enable CDF to detect and prioritize problems, and thereby determine what research is needed to effectively manage and conserve Galapagos.
In some cases a problem is an obvious priority, not requiring much research to identify it, such as the effects of goats on island vegetation. In other cases we need to identify less obvious problems, or predict future problems. For this, we need more formal prioritization systems.
In recent years, with rising numbers of introduced species, the need for formal prioritization has become ever more necessary to answer questions such as: which of the more than 700 introduced plant species are likely to become invasive in the future?
This knowledge is essential if we are to take action against the potential invaders before they get out of control and become too widespread and expensive to manage. To enable more objective prioritization, CDRS scientists, GNP staff and collaborators have been working to develop Risk assessment systems tailored to the unique needs of Galapagos.
- Weed Risk Assessment system for introduced plants
- Pest Risk Assessment system for insects
- Site Prioritization system to enable objective comparisons of the biodiversity value of different areas
- Eradication Feasibility model, to work out how much effort and money would be required to attempt to eradicate a species completely from an island, with a high chance of succeeding.
By identifying what are the most urgent and important problems facing the Galapagos ecosystem, CDF helps guide management and develop suitable approaches to conservation, restoration, and sustainable development of Galapagos.