It is estimated that 20% of the populations of small landbirds found on the Galapagos Islands are declining or have gone locally extinct. Our scientists work to ensure the long-term conservation of small Galapagos landbird populations for the health of the islands’ ecosystems at large.

After more than 180 years, 158 endangered giant tortoises have returned to Floreana Island, marking a historic milestone in the Galápagos’ largest restoration effort. Discover how science, community leadership, and global collaboration are bringing back a lost lineage—and rebuilding an entire ecosystem from the ground up.

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.