In this Issue
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| Graham Watkins, Executive Director, Charles Darwin
Foundation © CDF |
I want to begin this newsletter by congratulating Raquel Molina on her first six months as Director of the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS). She has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and has an obviously strong commitment and passion for conservation of Galapagos. Her appointment through an open and transparent selection process is an important step forward for the islands. All of us concerned with the future of Galapagos now need to work with the GNPS to ensure stability and build institutional leadership in the islands. Together we can develop sustainable livelihoods while conserving these extraordinary islands.
Since CDF was established by IUCN and UNESCO in 1959 we have consistently supported Galapagos conservation through research and technical assistance. Working with the GNPS we have been able to maintain Galapagos as the best conserved tropical archipelago in the world. The recent UNESCO resolution applauded the past steps taken by the Government and recognized CDF’s work, but also stated concerns about the crossroad that Galapagos now faces and the need for substantial change in management of the islands.
The first steps towards these changes are underway. The collective partnership of organizations and people dedicated to a secure future for Galapagos needs to maintain stability, build leadership, ensure equity of benefits, and move toward a unified vision of sustainability and conservation. We hope that by sharing our achievements with you we can show how the impossible can be accomplished through local, national and international collaboration – and with people like you who share our goal of conserving Galapagos and continuing to make is a model of sound conservation for the world.
All my best,
Graham Watkins
A hundred years old and still going strong!
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| Diego the Espanola tortoise has helped to save his species from extinction |
While many visitors to the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) seek out the corral housing “Lonesome George”, the last tortoise from Pinta Island, most are not aware that one centenarian located nearby has helped to repopulate a whole island of tortoises – and continues to do so today!
In 1977, “Diego” the Espanola tortoise was returned home to Galapagos after having lived in the San Diego Zoo (US) since the 1930’s. At the captive breeding center at the CDRS, Diego joined the last remaining twelve females and two males found on Espanola during the 1960’s. The Espanola tortoise population was unnaturally small and the scarce vegetation was further reduced by large herds of introduced goats.
Captive breeding and the eradication of the goats have now rescued the Espanola species. Even though he is probably over 100 years old, Diego, accompanied by his seven female companions, continues to help rebuild his island’s population and contributes to their genetic diversity.
“Over 1400 young tortoises have been repatriated and many of Diego’s offspring are now breeding in the wild,” said Cruz Marquez, CDF herpetologist who has worked with the breeding program for over 25 years.
Diego’s compelling success story illustrates how cooperation between international organizations, individuals and government agencies has saved a vulnerable species of tortoises from the brink of extinction. CDF recognizes that the future of conservation in Galapagos is built on such team efforts, fueled by a shared vision held by all local and international supporters.
Galapagos sharks: a major new research project begins
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A Galapagos shark tagged with both |
Understanding the biology and behavior of sharks, Galapagos’ top marine predators, is essential to protecting species with apparently declining populations. During July CDF and GNP marine staff worked with collaborating scientists from the TOPP (Tagging of Pacific Pelagics) project to attach ultrasonic and satellite tags to Galapagos (Carcharinus galapagensis) and hammerhead (Sphyrna species) sharks. Receivers are tracing their movements among the Galapagos, Cocos and Malpelo Islands.
“Most of the sharks have remained close to Darwin Island where they were tagged, although two individuals have shown some very interesting long-distance movements,” said CDF marine biologist Alex Hearn. “While it is still early days for this study, in the long term we hope that identifying movement patterns will help us focus our conservation efforts to protect sharks within the marine reserve”.
Sharks are important to the Galapagos food chain, targeting weaker fish and driving natural selection. They are also a popular tourist attraction, providing income for local communities. Shark fishing has been prohibited within the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) since 1994; however many species are illegally fished for their fins to supply lucrative international markets.
Sharks also die as a side effect (by-catch) of illegal long line fishing. Information provided by CDF played an instrumental role in the decision by the marine reserve authority, Inter-Management Authority (IMA), to ban the use of long lining within the GMR. The results from these latest studies will enable CDF to continue to give the best possible technical advice to the GNP and IMA, for the protection of the sharks of Galapagos.
Darwin's finches: Bigger isn't always better!
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| Geospiza fortis on Daphne Island has evolved to have a small beak |
In just two decades the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis) on Daphne Island has evolved, and now has a smaller beak. This is the first time this kind of evolution has been tracked in the wild. The research by long time CDF collaborators and CDF General Assembly members Peter and Rosemary Grant was published in the scientific journal Science in July.
Large ground finches (G. magnirostris) from Santiago Island established a new breeding population on Daphne Island in 1983. During a recent drought they competed with large-beaked G. fortis for big seeds. As a result, G. fortis with small beaks adapted to eating smaller seeds were more likely to survive and breed.
"Once this happened before our eyes, we realized we had a very unusual and potentially very important event to follow," Peter Grant said.
In 2003-2004, the lack of rain meant that seeds of any kind were scarce, and natural selection occurred. Many birds died or disappeared; only small-beaked G. fortis that ate seeds not suitable for G. fortis with larger beaks survived. As beak size is hereditary, this combination of conditions resulted in the evolution of small-beaked G. fortis on Daphne Island and it occurred within just one bird generation.
These new results contribute to CDF’s knowledge base about species and ecosystem vulnerability. Internationally renowned scientists like the Grants working with CDF to learn more about the interactions between animals, plants and climatic variations help CDF to advise the GNPS when action is needed to preserve Galapagos’ biodiversity and ecosystems.
Galapagos students serve up a feast
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| Santa Cruz students demonstrating their new culinary skills |
Students at Galapagos’ first culinary training school, based at the Santa Cruz high school, Colegio Galapagos, are looking towards bright futures within the local food services industry. The two-year program was designed by hotel managers and experienced chefs who take time out from their full-time positions to teach the students. Members of the school’s permanent teaching staff are currently participating in the program and will eventually teach theory classes.
At the school’s 37th anniversary celebrations in June the students had their first ‘hands-on’ practice preparing and serving a 3-course meal for 50 honorary guests. The students delivered a delicious meal with professionalism and a sense of excitement, and showed they are ready to take on the challenges of this demanding field.
“The program will provide tour operators with the option to select from a local skilled work pool, reducing the need to bring more people from the mainland,” said Pablo Guerrera, the program’s director. Donations administrated by the CDF from the Frankfurt Zoological Society and travel company Ocean Adventures helped to establish the culinary training course.
CDF has also been involved in the initial development of a number of similar projects, including coffee production and establishing local women’s groups that are pursuing the establishment of environmentally friendly businesses. These latest endeavors are an important step towards achieving a sustainable future for Galapagos and the human population living in this fragile area.
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| Ombrophytum subterraneum found in the Santa Cruz highlands |
CDF botanists have rediscovered a leafless plant that had not been recorded in Galapagos for more than 30 years! The parasitic Ombrophytum subterraneum takes nutrients from tree roots and only surfaces when it produces flowers and fruits. It was found by botany staff Xavier Arturo, Freddy Nugra and Felix Burgos who were collecting and cataloging lichens and fungi in the Scalesia forest in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island in August.
The last recording of Ombrophytum was near Cerro Puntudo in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island in 1975 by Dr. Henning Adsersen, a visiting scientist from University of Copenhagen. Further field studies failed to find any specimens, and it was thought that invasive species such as feral pigs might have been eating the fleshy tuber.
"It is the strangest looking plant, something I'd never seen before," said Nugra. Further surveys will be carried out in 2007 to determine the distribution and abundance of this unusual species.
CDF experts update endangered species lists
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| Many endemic land snails (Bulimulus species) are Critically Endangered. |
When evaluating the vulnerability of unique species found in Galapagos, who better to turn to than the specialist scientific team working with CDF? Scientists use the latest research studies to revise listings in Ecuador’s Red Data Book of endangered species maintained by World Conservation Union (IUCN). This information is incorporated into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, the most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species.
This year CDF entomologists Lazaro Roque and Ana Maria Ortega have evaluated endemic moths (taxonomic Order Lepidoptera) previously not included in the listing The effects of the introduced cottony cushion scale insect (Icerya purchasi) on the endemic plant Darwiniothamnus tenuifolius has affected the numbers of three Lepidoptera species, including Platyptilia vilema which has been registered as Endangered on the IUCN list Last year, collaborating scientist Christine Parent recommended that many endemic snails (Bulimulus species) be increased to Critically Endangered and receive immediate conservation attention
“Timely information is crucial for the protection and restoration of at risk populations,” said CDF botanist Alan Tye Tye chairs the IUCN Galapagos Plant Specialist Group, which is also the Red List Authority He has recently updated endangered plant species lists for the second edition of the Ecuadorian Plant Red Data Book being published this year His report showed that many species have suffered severe population declines, including the now critically endangered Rock Purslane (Calandrinia galapagosa)
The impacts from modern pressures affecting Galapagos highlight the need for ongoing vigilance in species monitoring and maintaining current information This is used to prioritize future restoration activities and advise decision makers about the challenges faced by Galapagos’ endangered species.
Local children visit Tokyo, Japan for Pacific regional conference
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| Daniela and Emilio at the presentation ceremony in Tokyo |
Last July two children from the Friends of the Tortoises kids club run by CDF’s environmental education center on Isabela Island represented Ecuador in the third Biodiversity Congress for the Children of Asia and the Pacific held in Tokyo. Eight-year-old Daniela Chávez and nine-year-old Emilio Rodriguez presented their views on Galapagos conservation to an international audience.
This special forum emphasizes the importance of the role of children in conservation, as they will inherit responsibility for protecting the planet’s natural resources. The event was attended by children from Ecuador, Thailand, Korea, China, India, Japan, Fiji, and Malaysia.
Daniela and Emilio also were also able to express their concerns about the archipelago’s protection directly to the Japanese Minister for the Environment.
"We are young people committed to caring for and saving the special animals and plants that live only in Galapagos," said Emilio. "We are excited about sharing our feelings for our home, helping the rest of the world understand the importance of caring for Galapagos the way we do."
Meet the new directors of the CDF Executive Team
In July CDF welcomed Timothy Silcott, a donor development and communications specialist, as Director of Information and Development. Silcott, who has worked for conservation and health organizations in the non-profit sector for over 17 years, is responsible for generating local, national and international support for the mission of CDF. His specific responsibilities include oversight of communications, fundraising and services for tourists at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Felipe Cruz began his new role as Director of Technical Assistance in November. Galapagos-born Cruz has decades of involvement with Galapagos conservation with both CDF and the GNPS. CDF welcomes him to the team after his role coordinating the successful feral goat eradication program in northern Isabela. He is leading the effort to promote local community participation, as well as supporting local capacity-building for conservation and sustainable development.
Our new Director of Administration and Finance, Ximena Pacheco, joined CDF in November after an 18 year career with World Vision International in Ecuador. Ximena is an expert in financial analysis and management, and has extensive experience in human resources, donor relations and information technology Ximena has a Master of Business Administration from Eastern University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Point of view : Be a part of the solution
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| The booming tourism industry has resulted in a growing population |
The international community has historically been concerned with the protection of Galapagos. However it has often been forgotten that the most damaging changes here have been driven by international markets and the globalization of the islands. Foreign demand for local resources and international investments are still driving economic growth but also continuing to result in cycles of boom or bust. The history of the islands clearly illustrates this pattern: whaling, sealing, and more recently, sea cucumbers. Today, tourism is driving population growth and tourism management will determine the future of the islands. There have been dramatic increases in visitors over the last decade and more migrants wanting to improve their livelihoods through participation in tourism. This creates ever-increasing pressure on limited natural resources, increases pollution and elevates the risk of new introduced species.
This pattern of development should be changed to ensure that Galapagos remains as healthy as they are now in 2006. The most effective route to change is for local, national and international stakeholders to build local leadership and foster the development of a shared vision for the future. The 1998 Special Law for Galapagos is the foundation for a conservation-oriented society with livelihoods based on sustainable practices. The law has been augmented by the Regional Plan of 2002, the National Park Management Plan of 2005, and the Ministry of the Environment’s “Galapagos 2020” process. These tools have helped solidify longer term goals for the sustainable development and conservation of Galapagos, and there must be a focused, strong effort on implementation of these tools.
To help address the present concerns we have begun work on expanding the scope CDF’s scope of research to include social, economic and cultural issues to support management. We are also supporting educational reform and the involvement of local people in sustainable businesses. A recent step forward toward achieving this was the establishment of a culinary training school in a Santa Cruz Island high school. Stemming from the initiative of the school itself and the local community, the program is supported with initial funding administered by CDF. This is an important move toward providing vocational training opportunities for young adults in the islands. We hope that training will encourage employers to find staff locally rather than needing to recruit national and international employees.
The GNPS, with support from CDF, has also recently completed the most successful eradication project in the world - removing the feral goats from Santiago and northern Isabela islands.
These two examples demonstrate that shared vision and good leadership, in combination with national and international support, a healthy Galapagos is indeed possible.
Furthermore, these efforts indicate that the course of development in Galapagos can be shifted away from market driven booms and busts and resulting environmental damage toward business development that furthers – not hinders – conservation efforts.
Galapagos is like no other place on Earth – visitors come from all over to see its natural wonders. The international community can, and must, be part of the solutionby helping Galapagos to build on its past achievements and support the development of a sustainable future. Each step forward is one step closer to ensuring that this amazing archipelago continues to thrive in its entire ecological splendor, here to be enjoyed by future generations.
Graham Watkins
CDF Executive Director
Contact us
Charles Darwin Foundation (aisbl), Puerto Ayora, Isla
Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador.
Tel. (+593) 5-2-526-146/147
E-mail: cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec
Our mission: To provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos Archipelago
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© 2006 Charles Darwin Foundation (aisbl), Galapagos, Ecuador. Design, text and images are the intellectual property of the CDF unless otherwise acknowledged, and copies may not be made without prior permission from CDF.