Project Isabela, said to be the world's largest island restoration program, has highlighted the need to establish a permanent and total control plan for invasive species in Galapagos. CDF and their partners have established a number of key objectives and activities.
Strategies
In relation to the control and management of introduced and invasive species in Galapagos, CDF and their partners have established a number of key objectives:
- support the preparation of emergency and contingency plans to address human-made disasters, potential natural disasters, the impacts of climate change, and invasive species
- work with farmers, SESA-Galapagos, GNPS (Galapagos National Park Service), the Ministry of Agriculture and other government organizations to support implementation of biosecurity measures and provide technical support for SESA-Galapagos, the municipalities and ISMCs (Introduced Species Management Committees)
- contribute to the preparation of emergency response and early detection systems for invasive species.
In close collaboration with the GNPS and other local partners, CDF will also:
- provide technical support for the development of strategies for the management and eradication of invasive species and the mitigation/control of their impact
- support priority setting and the application of innovative techniques for the management of invasive species and the recovery of affected ecosystems
- assist in the global application of examples and lessons learned through the Global Environmental Facility and the United Nations Fund invasive species projects, and in particular of practical examples such as those provided by Project Isabela.
Activities
CDF is planning several major projects, in partnership with the GNPS, which will build on the success of Project Isabela, and considerably enhance the conservation of Galapagos. The projects currently identified include:
- eradication of rodents in Galapagos
- eradication of small mammals on small and medium sized islands
- eradication of goats and donkeys from Floreana and San Cristobal
- eradication of frogs from Southern Isabela
- initiating Pinta Island restoration through introducing Española tortoises
- initiating a comprehensive invasive plant management program for Galapagos
- rehabilitating mangrove finch populations
CDF will continue to support the quarantine system through training and technical assistance including developing strategies for sustainable financing and new protocols for emergency management of new introduced species.
CDF will also complete surveys of introduced plants in San Cristobal and invertebrates in Santa Cruz.
CDF will continue to develop new and innovative approaches to manage and control existing invasive species in Galapagos. The development of methods for potential biological control is needed, building on the successful use of Lady Bugs to control Cottony Cushion Scale. Efforts will focus on developing biological control approaches for:
- Lantana camara (Multicolored Lantana)
- Rubus (Blackberry)
- Chinchona (Quinine)
- Philornis downsi (a parasitic fly which affects the health of fledgling birds)
CDF will also continue to work with the GNPS to develop plant control and management strategies, including control of invasive species in and restoration of Scalesia forests in the highlands of Santa Cruz.