Galapagos

Tag: Galapagos

Evidence Suggests that Galápagos Finches Self-medicate, using Native Guava Leaves to Repel Invasive Insects

A new report released in the journal Nature examines never before seen self-medicating behavior in Galápagos Finches. Galápagos Finches served as inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in the 19th century. Today, these iconic birds, commonly referred to as “Darwin’s finches”, have drawn the attention of scientists once again–but this time it’s not because of the size and shape […]

Written by on October 20, 2016

Prolific Giant Tortoise “Diego” Saves his Species from Extinction

Research discovers that Diego the Giant Tortoise has helped to save his species from extinction by fathering hundreds of baby tortoises.  All was well with Espanola Giant Tortoises (Chelonoidis hoodensis) in the Galápagos–until invasive rats were introduced by pirates and infiltrated the island ecosystem. The presence of rats made reproduction extremely difficult and often unsuccessful […]

Written by on September 20, 2016

Snails: Charismatic? Not really. Important? Absolutely

Snails, though not exactly a widely celebrated species, have much to offer.  They may not be as popular or charming as the world’s widely-recognized endangered megafauna (tigers, elephants, rhinos, pandas, etc), but snails are important for ecosystems functioning around the world. Snails are decomposers–they break down natural material into smaller parts–and as such help to uphold nature’s cycle of life […]

Written by on August 29, 2016

Breeding Efforts May Resurrect Giant Tortoise Species

Once a species is extinct, there’s no going back…right? Conservationists in the Galapagos are not so sure. The highly publicized 2012 death of “Lonesome George,” the last Pinta Island native Giant Tortoise in existence, represented a major loss for conservationists and wildlife lovers. The death of Lonesome George marked the fourth extinction of fifteen distinct […]

Written by on July 26, 2016

Rescue Dogs Saved and now Saving Galápagos Wildlife

Sniffing Out Destructive, Invasive Giant African Snails Para Español, click aquí For immediate release: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, GALÁPAGOS – Darwin, a golden Labrador retriever, was rescued after he was unable to complete a service dog training program and black Labrador Neville was saved from a shelter. Now both dogs are paying it forward and saving […]

Written by on April 21, 2015

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos – Photo Gallery

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, GALÁPAGOS – Darwin, a golden Labrador retriever, was rescued after he was unable to complete a service dog training program and black Labrador Neville was saved from a shelter. Now both dogs are paying it forward and saving other wildlife from destructive, invasive Giant African Snails in the Galápagos Islands. “Invasive Giant […]

Written by on January 4, 2015

Pinzon Island, Galapagos – Photo Gallery

Pinzón Island (also called Duncan Island) is approximately 4,500 acres (1,800 ha), with a maximum altitude of 1,503 feet (458 m), and marks the geographical center of the Galápagos Archipelago. Plaza Sur Island is small (30 acres/12 ha) but biologically significant. Both islands are uninhabited and are fully within the Galápagos National Park. Access is restricted to […]

Written by on January 4, 2015

Galápagos Restoration Projects Makes Islands Safe for Native Species

In support of work led by the Galápagos National Park, Island Conservation, Charles Darwin Foundation, The Raptor Center, and Bell Laboratories announce that several Galápagos Islands are confirmed free of invasive rodents. Click here to download a .pdf version of this press release Contact: Rosita Leon, Head of Public Relations, Galápagos National Park, rleon@dpng.gob.ec Amy Carter, […]

Written by on December 9, 2012