After more than 180 years, giant tortoises have returned to Floreana Island—reviving a lineage once thought extinct. Discover how hybrid tortoises were identified, bred, and carefully reintroduced, and why their comeback marks a turning point for island restoration, ecosystem recovery, and one of Galápagos’ most ambitious conservation efforts.

The Galapagos Islands are home to species so unique they exist nowhere else on Earth. Among these are the Galápagos penguin and the flightless cormorant, evolutionary wonders that have adapted to thrive in these remote habitats. But these incredible creatures face mounting challenges from climate change, diseases and invasive species. Protecting them is no easy feat—it takes dedication, resources, scientific knowledge, and action.

With a heart-shaped face and silent wings, the Galapagos barn owl is a quiet force of balance in the archipelago’s ecosystems. Endemic to the Islands, this elusive predator controls invasive rodent populations, supporting the survival of critically endangered species and ongoing ecological restoration. In the shadows of lava tunnels and forest canopies, it hunts with precision—and reminds us that even the smallest wings can carry the weight of conservation.

After nearly 70 years, the Opuntia echios cactus is naturally regenerating on Plaza Sur. This milestone marks a triumph for the Galápagos Verde 2050 program’s decade-long restoration efforts. Discover how science, teamwork, and innovation are helping revive a fragile island ecosystem—one cactus at a time. Read the full story.

Discover the Galapagos Christmas Bird Count Sticker Collector's Book, created by the Charles Darwin Foundation to engage youth in bird conservation. Learn about native bird species and download this educational resource today