Giant tortoises are emblems of Galapagos. They are critical ecosystem engineers and they are also important for the local economy. Yet all 12 species of Galapagos Giant Tortoises are of conservation concern. Our work focuses on conserving these gentle giants through research and education.

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.

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.