Restoring Native Nature in the Galapagos Islands

Islands are among the planet’s most important biodiversity hotspots, home to endemic species that have evolved in relative isolation, and prone to disturbances of their vulnerable ecosystems, especially from invasive species. The Galapagos Islands are a supreme example, and a key target for the work of Island Conservation, a non-profit that seeks to prevent extinctions by protecting the unique environments of islands from invasive species. Galapagos Expedition Leader Josy Cardoso hosts Paula Castano, a restoration specialist with Island Conservation, in this enlightening webinar about returning islands to a more natural state. Learn about threats to the delicate balance of life on islands, and how IC has helped sustain native ecosystems and endangered species in 60 locations around the world. Goats and rodents have been a particular challenge in the Galapagos—find out how they got there, why they are such a threat to the health and viability of native species, and what IC is doing to eradicate them. But that’s just the first step: restoring the natural ecosystem follows—learn about the reintroduction of 2,000 land iguanas on Santiago, among other achievements. Humans may wreak havoc on island environments, but restoring them is possible! Come away informed and inspired.


Originally presented October 23, 2020

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