Scalesia forests once thrived on the Galapagos Islands, forming a unique humid ecosystem for plants, insects, giant tortoises and birds. Today, only 1% of the forests’ original distribution remains, with several endemic species, including the Scalesia themselves, struggling to survive. We are working to restore this important habitat and given the rapid rate of forest loss, it is a race against time.

Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar, our lab technician was interviewed by our donor, Galapagos Conservation Trust, in which she shares her experience in studying the health of some of the islands' most endangered birds.

Discover how Galápagos insects mastered survival through camouflage and subtlety. Living Shadows explores the evolution of creatures that blend into volcanic landscapes instead of standing out. In a harsh environment, darkness is power. This story reveals a quiet yet brilliant tale of adaptation, strategy, and resilience in the heart of the archipelago.