Collaboration in Conserving Isabela Island’s Wildlife

At Galápagos Conservancy, there is a deep commitment to safeguarding the archipelago's distinctive biodiversity. They closely collaborate with the Galápagos National Park Directorate and the local community on critical projects aimed at addressing urgent conservation challenges. Recently, the team traveled to Isabela Island to evaluate the progress and accomplishments of their partnership and to plan the next steps for their initiatives.

Protection and Restoration of Heart-leafed Scalesia Forests

 

During their visit, a thorough inspection was conducted at the revitalized Forest Nursery at Galápagos National Park. This facility is essential for producing thousands of seedlings aimed at restoring the heart-leafed Scalesia (Scalesia cordata) forests, which exist solely in southern Isabela Island. The nursery's revitalization included refurbishing an adjacent housing facility, providing a secure and dry space for park rangers, scientists, and volunteers to remain on-site for ongoing monitoring and propagation of the heart-leafed Scalesia.

Once widespread across the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes of southern Isabela Island, this magnificent tree is now nearly extinct. The nursery, now filled with young heart-leafed Scalesia seedlings, symbolizes hope for the forests of Galápagos. The successful growth of these plants clearly indicates that their restoration efforts are producing positive outcomes, promising a brighter future for the heart-leafed Scalesia and the unique ecosystem it once dominated.

Improvements at the Tortoise Breeding Center

 

The team also visited the Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Villamil, where giant tortoises are bred for reintroduction into their natural habitats, primarily in southern Isabela Island. During the visit, they assessed the performance of the advanced tortoise egg incubators provided by Galápagos Conservancy, all of which are functioning perfectly and producing hundreds of hatchlings each year. They identified urgent repairs needed for the roof and necessary upgrades to the center's electrical system. Funding from their efforts is expected to support these improvements, ensuring the center remains a safe and efficient environment for breeding the two species of giant tortoises native to southern Isabela Island.

Ongoing Collaboration for Conservation

 

Initiatives such as the restoration of Scalesia forests and the captive breeding of giant tortoises rely on the joint efforts of Galápagos Conservancy and the Galápagos National Park Directorate. Together, they aim to protect endangered species while restoring the vital ecosystems they inhabit.

Dr. Washington Tapia, the director, emphasizes, “Collaboration is crucial for the success of our projects. By partnering closely with the Galápagos National Park Directorate, we ensure a future where nature conservation and community well-being coexist.”

Galápagos Conservancy takes great pride in their collaboration with park rangers and appreciates the support from individuals committed to conserving Galápagos. The donations they receive are vital for sustaining projects like those on Isabela, ensuring these initiatives have a direct impact on preserving this delicate natural heritage. With continued support, Galápagos will exemplify how conservation can benefit both nature and the communities that rely on it.