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Biodiversity and Conservation in the Galapagos Islands Information Sheet Flora and fauna of the Galapagos There is a tremendous amount of biological diversity, or biodiversity, in the Galapagos Islands, due to the unique climate and diverse range of habitats. The isolation of the islands, surrounded by deep ocean and being located nearly 1000km from the coast of Ecuador, has resulted in the evolution of hundreds of endemic species - species found nowhere else in the world. This makes the islands incredibly interesting to scientists, particularly those following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution by natural selection was inspired by the ecosystems and species of the Galapagos. The endemic species of the Galapagos Islands represent a diverse range of groups: Species group Mammals Birds Reptiles Fish Invertebrates Plants Example Santiago Galapagos mouse, Nesoryzomys swarthi Galapagos penguin, Spheniscus mendiculus Galapagos giant tortoises, Geochelone spp. Galapagos shark, Carcharhinus galapagensis Galapagos land snail, Bulimulus reibischi Galapagos tomato, Solanum cheesmaniae Galapagos habitats and ecosystems Despite being geologically young and formed through volcanic activity, the reason for the high diversity of species on the Galapagos Islands is the variety of different habitats on different islands. Variation in climate, altitude and nutrient supply has encouraged a range of habitats, in turn providing a range of niches for species to occupy. Geographical separation and natural selection has meant that the populations from the mainland that originally colonised the islands have become so different that they can no longer reproduce with the existing mainland populations, making them evolutionarily distinct species. The main habitats of the Galapagos Islands are: Arid lowlands dominated by cacti Subtropical forests, including daisy trees Higher altitude moist forests With kind support from Treeless uplands dominated by ferns Barren, volcanic plains Exposed rocky coastal shores and beaches Temperate coastal waters Cold, deep ocean Conservation The unique species and habitats of the Galapagos Islands make it a particularly interesting place for scientists. This has also meant that there has been considerable effort to preserve the islands in their natural state, as close as possible to the islands before they were discovered and colonised. The following steps have been instrumental in making the Galapagos Islands one of the best preserved tropical archipelagos in the world: • • • • • 1955 - 97.5% of land area declared a National Park by the Ecuadorian government Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was also founded in 1955 - an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to conservation on the islands CDF Conservation projects are run in conjunction with Galapagos National Park service including eradication of introduced species that threaten endemic wildlife e.g. goats, rats 1978 – Galapagos Islands declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site 70,000km2 area around the islands is now a designated marine reserve and whale sanctuary Sustainable development The Galapagos Islands National Park Service does not want to preserve the islands to the complete exclusion of human residents. They have opted for a sustainable development program, allowing some development and sustainable agriculture and fisheries. The way they do this is by splitting the various islands into zones with varying degrees of protection: Natural Land Areas (National Park) Absolute protection – pristine areas where only observation and monitoring is allowed Conservation and ecosystem restoration – area with some degree of alteration, tourism permitted with guide, research with minimal impact With kind support from Low impact – peripheral areas with alteration e.g. near agricultural, urban areas and roads Natural Marine Areas (Marine Reserve) Multiple use zone Limited use zone with various levels of restrictions e.g. on fishing, tourism, recreation Port zone with varying restrictions Human space Rural area Urban area The restrictions applicable to these areas are enforced by the National Park Service. The problem is that sometimes human interests conflict with the native species’ best interests, meaning that the Galapagos Island ecosystem constantly faces an array of threats. Principal source: Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos http://www.galapagospark.org/ With kind support from