Invassive Species in the Galapagos Islands

Invasive Species and

Their Effects

Why the Galapagos has a particularly high risk...

• isolation and fragility
• endemic species are unable to compete with the weed-like species

Invasive Species

Invasive Species in the Galapagos Islands

Effects

“To date, the islands are believed to be home to between 552 and 614 native species of vascular plants and approximately 825 introduced species, the majority introduced by humans. More than 100 of the introduced species have become established in the wild, with many of them extremely invasive and of major concern” (Galapagos Conservancy).

• Out compete, or prey on native species
• Carry or spread disease
• Prevent natives from being able to reproduce
• Alter the food web
• Decrease biodiversity
• Alter conditions of an ecosystem

Human Interaction

• Primary source of transportation
• Intentional and unintentional transport
• Example: goats and blackberry

Human Discovery

• Officially discovered in 1535 by the bishop of Panama
• Attract a variety of people including tourists, fishermen, farmers and scientists
• Evolutionary scientists take particular interest in the islands due to their isolation and remoteness

Prevention and Awareness

History and Ecology

Ecology

Introduced Organisms

• Strengthen the inspection capabilities of the Galapagos Inspection and Quarantine System through improved training and equipment
• Expand Community Monitoring Projects (CMPs) to achieve greater participation of the local population in identifying and responding to new invasive species
• Strengthen education programs in schools and Environmental Education Centers

• Mostly endemic species
• Three major vegetative zones
• Majority of landmass is desert-like
• Extremely fragile ecosystems that have remained relatively unharmed
• 95% of native species are still intact

• Complete eradication of feral goats, burros, pigs, and cattle already initiated on Floreana
• Continue humane sterilization programs for cats and dogs on inhabited islands
• Complete inventory of introduced invertebrates present in urban and agricultural areas and their prioritization for management action
• Develop short- and long-term methodologies for control of parasitic flies and protection of their endangered host birds

Initiatives

Introduced Plants

Geological History

• Initiate plant eradication projects based on the Weed Risk Assessment system
• Eliminate select small populations of invasive plants
• Develop a comprehensive management plan for the highly invasive Quinine tree with its large-scale eradication as the ultimate goal
• Conduct feasibility studies of biological control options for the Lantana shrub, Mysore Raspberry, Quinine tree, and Guava shrub

• Archipelago located on the Nazca plate
• 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador
• Relatively young islands ranging from a few hundred thousand years old to about five million years old
• All inhabiting species were transported either by air or water
• Rafts of vegetation may have carried small mammals/reptiles