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Rashid Cruz/CDF
CDF Research Highlights the Crucial Role of Mangroves in Galapagos

Scientists from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) have, for the first time, assessed the conservation status of mangrove ecosystems in the Galápagos Islands using the Red List of Ecosystems methodology developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The study concludes that this ecosystem is classified as Vulnerable, underscoring the urgency of its conservation. The full report is available in the EcoEvoRxiv repository.

Rashid Cruz/CDF
CDF Research Highlights the Crucial Role of Mangroves in Galapagos

Scientists from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) have, for the first time, assessed the conservation status of mangrove ecosystems in the Galápagos Islands using the Red List of Ecosystems methodology developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The study concludes that this ecosystem is classified as Vulnerable, underscoring the urgency of its conservation. The full report is available in the EcoEvoRxiv repository.

Teddy Zambrano, Sergio Zanchi, Oscar Cardenas y entire Connie Jean Two crew
Historic Sighting of White shark in Ecuador

Researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park have published the first confirmed record of a white shark in Ecuadorian waters. The encounter, roughly ninety kilometers west of Wolf Island and outside the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR), marks an unusual sighting of this species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, where sightings south of Mexico's coastline are exceptionally rare.

Mara Speece / CDF
The Return of the Children’s Forest

Discover the revival of Isabela Island’s historic Children’s Forest, a once-forgotten sanctuary of the endangered Scalesia cordata. From its origins with Don Jacinto to today’s community-led restoration, this story reconnects generations through conservation, memory, and hope. Click to explore how a beloved forest is coming back to life.

Pelayo Salinas/CDF
First-ever documented birthing migration of a hammerhead shark

Scientists from the Charles Darwin Foundation’s shark ecology and conservation program and collaborators, have published what is likely the first-ever scientifically recorded birthing migration for the critically endangered scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini).

Protecting Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks with The Ministry of Environment of Panama

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.

Mattias Klum
CDF Launches Ambassador Program with Renowned Photographer Mattias Klum

The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) is excited to launch its Ambassador Program, a platform for passionate advocates who share our vision of protecting the Galapagos Islands—one of our planet’s most extraordinary natural treasures—through science and conservation action.

María Igual/CDF
Historic Breeding Season for Galápagos Landbirds

This year’s breeding season brought record success for the Little Vermilion Flycatcher with 39 fledglings, while the Critically Endangered Mangrove Finch continues to be a conservation priority. Discover how science, habitat restoration, and innovation are reshaping the future of Galápagos birds—and why this season marks a breakthrough in conservation.

María Igual/CDF
Historic Breeding Season for Galápagos Landbirds

Galápagos landbirds soar to new heights.
This year’s breeding season brought record success for the Little Vermilion Flycatcher and cautious hope for the Critically Endangered Mangrove Finch. Discover how science, habitat restoration, and innovation are reshaping the future of Galápagos birds—and why this season marks a breakthrough in conservation.

Juan Manuel García/CDF
Economic and Environmental Value of Galápagos Waters

Discover how Galápagos waters fuel Ecuador’s economy and fight climate change. A groundbreaking study by CDF and partners reveals the immense value of marine ecosystems—from carbon-storing mangroves to booming tourism and fishing industries. Learn why protecting these waters is essential for sustainable development and global conservation efforts.

Mattias Klum
CDF Launches Ambassador Program with Renowned Photographer Mattias Klum

The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) is excited to launch its Ambassador Program, a platform for passionate advocates who share our vision of protecting the Galapagos Islands—one of our planet’s most extraordinary natural treasures—through science and conservation action.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
Juan Manuel García
Since 1973, Peter and Rosemary Grant Have Shown That Evolution Can Be Seen in Real Time

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.

Carlos Espinosa/CDF
CDF teams up with OFC for long-term Galapagos conservation goals.

The Charles Darwin Foundation and Oceans Finance Company are delighted to announce a strategic partnership aimed at advancing crucial long-term conservation initiatives to enhance resilience to climate change in the archipelago and surrounding areas.

Pelayo Salinas de León/CDF
Oceanic MPAs Harbor Highest Concentrations of Sharks

A groundbreaking study across seven marine protected areas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific reveals thriving shark and predator populations in remote island MPAs like Galapagos and Malpelo, while coastal reserves are severely depleted. Discover what this means for ocean protection, why it matters, and the urgent actions scientists recommend.