The 1905–1906 expedition of the California Academy of Sciences, led by Rollo Howard Beck, introduced a systematic approach to studying the Galápagos. By documenting specimen origins, it revealed variation among islands, established the archipelago as a natural laboratory of evolution, and laid foundations for ongoing research and conservation.

In 1966, a course at the Charles Darwin Research Station marked the beginning of environmental education in Galápagos. Teachers learned to use the natural environment as a teaching tool, linking conservation and community. This experience laid the foundation for context-based education that remains essential to protect the islands’ unique ecosystems.

Vegetation mapping in Galapagos combines adventure, science, and conservation. Using drones and fieldwork in remote landscapes, essential maps are produced to monitor ecosystems and protect biodiversity. Each expedition highlights nature’s resilience and the importance of collective effort in preserving these unique and fragile island environments.

Research in the Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz Island revealed more than 200 taxa of parasitoid wasps, compared with only 30 species previously reported for Galapagos. These tiny insects play essential ecological roles and highlight how much remains unknown about the archipelago’s biodiversity and fragile ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean.

The Deep Ocean Alliance brings together institutions from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador to strengthen deep-ocean science and marine conservation in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Through scientific expeditions, regional collaboration, and technological innovation, the Alliance is improving understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and supporting evidence-based protection of interconnected marine ecosystems.

Wolf, Kup, and Pinta are three detection dogs donated by the Charles Darwin Foundation to Ecuador’s National Police to strengthen efforts against illegal trafficking of protected species in Galápagos. Trained to detect biological material, these dogs represent an innovative conservation and control tool for safeguarding the archipelago’s biodiversity.

A tiny blue octopus discovered nearly 6,000 feet beneath the waters of Galápagos is rewriting what scientists know about deep-sea life. From a chance encounter during an underwater expedition to cutting-edge CT scans revealing a species never seen before, this remarkable discovery highlights the mysteries still hidden in Earth’s oceans.

The Ministry of Environment of Panama and the Charles Darwin Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the transboundary protection of the migratory scalloped hammerhead shark and advance the recovery of their populations within the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

The Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz Island hosts 150 endemic insect species, representing 21% of those recorded in Galápagos within six studied groups. The research highlights their ecological importance and warns about threats from habitat loss and invasive species, reinforcing the urgent need for restoration and long-term conservation efforts.

Scientists in Galápagos have recorded the most successful breeding season ever for the critically endangered Mangrove Finch, one of the world’s rarest birds. Discover how years of conservation work, innovative nest-protection strategies, and collaboration are offering new hope for this species’ survival in the remote mangrove forests of Isabela Island.

In 1973, evolutionary scientists Peter Grant and Rosemary Grant began a research project in the Galápagos Islands that would permanently change the modern understanding of evolution.

The Charles Darwin Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report highlights a year of scientific discoveries, conservation milestones, ecological restoration, and institutional growth across Galápagos. From species recoveries to new research infrastructure and large-scale restoration efforts, discover how science, collaboration, and local capacity are shaping a more resilient future for the archipelago.

After more than a decade of conservation work, researchers have documented 56 fledglings so far in 2026 — with more nests still active

The Charles Darwin Foundation Leadership Club brought together young people from Santa Cruz and Isabela in a journey of learning, leadership, and conservation. Through workshops, community activities, and exchanges, participants strengthened their skills, promoted environmental education, and reinforced their commitment to a sustainable future for Galápagos.

Galápagos green sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. At Quinta Playa, scientists monitor their nesting activity to better understand the impacts of climate change. This research provides critical information to protect one of the most important green turtle nesting populations in the Eastern Pacific.

Microeledone galapagensis, a tiny blue octopus discovered 1,770 meters beneath the waters of Galápagos, highlights how much remains unknown about the deep sea. Its identification as a new species was made possible by years of preservation in the Charles Darwin Foundation’s marine collections, underscoring their importance for scientific research.

A new regional alliance is opening a window into the deep ocean of the Eastern Tropical Pacific, one of the least explored parts of our planet. By joining scientific expertise, conservation action, and international collaboration, this initiative aims to generate the knowledge needed to better protect vast marine ecosystems and inform ocean stewardship.

The 1973 Master Plan for the Protection and Use of Galapagos National Park was the first comprehensive planning framework for managing the archipelago. It introduced zoning, strengthened scientific research, and formalized collaboration with the Charles Darwin Research Station, laying the foundations for modern conservation in the Galapagos Islands.

A new international research initiative is investigating how climate change could reshape the Galápagos cloud forests by altering the iconic garúa fog. Discover how scientists will study water, biodiversity, and invasive species to generate the knowledge needed to protect the archipelago’s unique ecosystems and freshwater resources for future generations.

Welcome to The Station
A podcast series, coming to you directly from the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we dive into stories of science and wonder from the Galápagos Islands.