Since 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation has been on the frontlines of scientific research and conservation action in the Galapagos Islands. Join us on our mission to safeguard one of our planet’s most important natural treasures Discover our research and conservation programs today.

Two groundbreaking studies led by Stephen Blake, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Saint Louis University and Sharon L. Deem, DVM, Director of Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine, in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and teams of multidisciplinary scientists shed light on crucial aspects of the conservation of two critically endangered giant tortoise species endemic to the Island of Santa Cruz, Chelonoidis porteri and Chelonoidis donfaustoi. Both studies offer valuable insights into the challenges these emblematic species face and the strategies needed to ensure their survival in the face of potential future habitat alteration and climate change.

The tree frog arrived in the Galápagos Islands in the late 1990s. This species, resistant to salinity and drought, has rapidly established itself in urban, agricultural, and natural areas and is now considered an invasive species. But little is known about this little yet loud amphibian...

The woodpecker finch of San Cristobal has been identified as a potential new species (Camarhynchus striatipecta), according to groundbreaking research just published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. Previously considered one of three subspecies of the woodpecker finch (Camarhynchus pallidus), this population is now identified as a genetically distinct lineage. These findings mark a significant revision to the taxonomy of Darwin’s tree finches and scientists propose C. striatipecta as a newly recognized species.

While a mere 3% of the Galapagos Islands are home to people, our presence in this small fraction of the archipelago has put the native vegetation at risk. Our restoration program in urban and rural areas engages the local community in conservation and restoration efforts to secure the long-term health of these unique ecosystems.

We are excited to announce that the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) is now a member of the Global Rewilding Alliance, an international network of over 170 organizations restoring nature around the world. Together, we believe that rewilding is one of the most powerful paths forward to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change, and the global environmental crisis.

For more than 65 years, CDF has grounded its work in rigorous science and deep commitment to conservation in the Galápagos Islands. From wildlife monitoring to habitat restoration, from policy advice to community engagement — our efforts center on restoring natural systems so they thrive. Joining the Global Rewilding Alliance now lets us share what we’ve learned, collaborate with new partners, and scale up our impact.

When we talk about Galapagos we always think of Darwin, giant tortoises and finches. But few outside Galapagos know about the Scalesia plants, commonly known as Darwin’s giant daisies.

The Charles Darwin Foundation is home to the largest Natural History Collections of endemic, native and introduced species of Galapagos in Ecuador, with more than 135,000 specimens and 7,500 species across four Collections: Marine, Vertebrate, Terrestrial Invertebrate and a Herbarium.