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Conservation of Endemic Birds in the Galapagos
 


The avifauna of the Galapagos archipelago remains intact; none of its bird species has yet become extinct. This pristine status provides unique opportunities for studying ecological and evolutionary processes. However, several dozen species endemic to the Galapagos are threatened with extinction in just a few decades, as a result of climate change, introduced predators and fisheries activity. We are researching, and seeking ways to mitigate, the impact of these factors on three Galapagos bird species; the Galapagos penguin, the Flightless cormorant and the Mangrove finch; each is listed as threatened by the IUCN and Birdlife International.


Why is this project important?

Data gathered over 40 years (1965-2004) reveal that important bird populations endemic to the Galapagos are under serious threat from climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions (i.e. the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), El Niño and La Nina). Penguin and cormorant populations crash during El Niño events, when marine food supplies are poor, while Mangrove Finches cannot nest during La Nina, when drought diminishes terrestrial food supplies. Bird populations struggle to recover between the now frequent ENSO events, making them more vulnerable to predators, and to direct or indirect interactions with fisheries. The western coast is the most diverse and productive zone in the Galapagos archipelago; 95-100% of its Galapagos penguin, Mangrove finch and Flightless cormorant populations occur there. High productivity also attracts the majority of the archipelago's fisheries effort to the west coast, and conflicts often arise between conservation, tourism and fisheries due to competing interests.

We aim to conserve the Galapagos' valuable bird species and associated biodiversity by: (1) monitoring and evaluating bird population changes caused by environmental and anthropogenic factors; (2) providing the necessary data and management advice for reducing conflicts between different interest groups; and (3) strengthening local capacity for scientific research, practical conservation, ecological monitoring, decision-making and sustainable management.

What are we doing?

During Phase 1 (August 2003-April 2004), we marked 750 penguins and cormorants with PIT (Personal Identification Transponders) tags. Tagging allows us to gather information on individual breeding output, movements and dispersal. We are also attaching data loggers to some birds to record their foraging behaviour. These biological data can then be correlated with physical data on sea surface temperature and precipitation (indices of El Niño and climate change). Ultimately, we will produce maps combining physical and biological information, the distribution of introduced Black rats, and the locations of fisheries. We are also conducting field experiments to determine whether nest predation by Black rats has a negative impact on penguins or finches. Results will determine whether Black rat populations need to be controlled.

In order to achieve sustainable biodiversity conservation, we are training eight local university students and eight park wardens, from the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), in conservation techniques. Hernan Vargas, project coordinator in Ecuador, was born in Galapagos. Hernan is studying for a Ph.D. in conservation biology at the University of Oxford. He works as a link between the UK and Ecuador and plays a key role in the execution of the project and the transfer of expertise to undergraduate students and park wardens.


Hernan Vargas releasing a penguin

How is this project making a difference?

Deliverables

We regularly communicate our findings to the GNPS, via technical reports, and to the local community, via local radio and television. Other outputs will include: the training of students and park wardens, management plans and manuals, scientific publications and workshops. We are also producing a multi-layered database, which will inform our advice to the GNPS on fishing quotas and 'no take zones' in areas of importance for bird conservation.

Cascade effects

The penguins, cormorants and finches of the Galapagos are widely recognized as charismatic indicators of ecosystem health; by conserving the birds, we are preserving their unique habitat. The project will benefit: (1) the GNPS by providing key data for managing the birds, and by increasing the capacity of local staff to manage their own wildlife; and (2) the local community, first by providing training to local people, and second, through eco-tourism. Lessons learned from this project may be applicable to other vulnerable natural areas around the world.

How can you help?

We are seeking £15,000 p.a. to increase our monitoring activities. Bird colonies are scattered along island coasts, and the only effective way of reaching them is by boat, rented locally for £300-£500 per day. Work is conducted from a dinghy, and we urgently need to buy one of these. Our work is also reliant on expensive equipment such as VHF radios, GPS, data loggers, PIT tags and scanners. Much needed sponsorship will allow us to replace and maintain field equipment, and to retain valuable, experienced staff.

Flightless cormorant

YOU CAN HELP THIS PROJECT
Target to be raised
£15,000 p.a.

You can find out about the budget for this project by contacting us. See our contact details.

If you are interested in finding out more about the science involved in this project, we would be happy to send you further information.

WildCRU is part of the University of Oxford, a tax- exempt charity. To maximise tax benefits to both donors and WildCRU, please see Donations.

Principal funders
The Darwin Initiative for Biodiversity
D. Swarovski & Co.
SeaWorld
Whitley Laing Foundation
Galapagos Conservation Trust
Friends of Galapagos Switzerland

Main Partners
Charles Darwin Foundation
Galapagos National Park Service
The Saint Louis Zoo/ University of Missouri
University of Swansea

Text by Hernan Vargas and Sandra Baker