FALL/WINTER 2007 GALAPAGOSnews a biannual English-language publication for members of the international network of Friends of Galapagos organizations

Socio-Economic Issue Social Science in Galapagos CDF Supports Galapagos in Danger Decision

Plus: Galapagos Guides Floreana Canine Distemper Outbreak The Herbarium at CDRS CDF Supports Galapagos in Danger Decision

Galapagos News is a copyright twice-yearly publication produced for members of the international network of Friends of Galapagos On June 26 of this year, the Charles introduced insects. The risk of the arrival organizations, all of whom support the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands. Darwin Foundation (CDF) announced of pathogens such as West Nile Virus, its support for UNESCO’s decision to insect pests, and new predators is now The information in this issue was obtained from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), the Galapagos register Galapagos as a World Heritage high. Mosquitoes carrying dengue and National Park (GNP), and other sources, but they are Site in danger. Placing Galapagos on some avian diseases are recent arrivals to not responsible for the accuracy of the contents or the opinions expressed herein. the list emphasizes and reinforces the the islands. decision of the Government of Ecuador Added to this, the greater energy Galapagos Conservancy in April to declare Galapagos at risk and requirements for tourism and the local USA as a national priority for conservation. population increases the risks of repeating Tel: +1 703 538 6833 Email: [email protected] These two declarations are critical steps the oil spill disaster of 2001. Diesel and Web: www.galapagos.org in moving forward a shared local, national, petrol consumption have increased by Zoologische Gesellschaft, Frankfurt and international agenda to ensure the 20% and 45% respectively in the last five Germany long-term conservation and sustainable years alone and the number of clients for Tel: +49 (0) 69-943446-0 Fax: +49 (0) 69-439348 development of the islands. electricity in Santa Cruz has increased by Web: www.zgf.de Economic development in Galapagos 35% since 2001. Galapagos Conservation Trust is growing at an unprecedented rate with Despite the fragility and rapidly United Kingdom tourism as the driving force. The resulting diminishing isolation of the Galapagos Tel: +44 (0)20 7629 5049 Email: [email protected] immigration and increased demand for Islands, there is some good news. The Web: www.savegalapagos.org fuel, goods, water, and public services has Galapagos National Park Service, with Freunde der Galapagos Inseln caused the number of flights to more than support from the Charles Darwin Switzerland double in the last five years. The decreased Foundation, has shown they are world Tel: +41 (0)1 254 26 70 Email: [email protected] isolation of the islands increases the leaders in the management of invasive Web: www.galapagos-ch.org potential for the introduction and spread and restoration of endangered Stichting Vrienden van de Galapagos Eilanden of invasive species—the greatest threat to species and . The Netherlands the biodiversity of Galapagos. Within the local communities can Tel: +31 (0) 186-651950 Email: [email protected] “The problems in Galapagos cannot also be found proof of what can be Web: www.galapagos.nl be simplified to the finning of sharks, or achieved: for example, Pescado Azul, Nordic Friends of Galapagos the over-harvesting of sea cucumbers; a small sustainable enterprise run by a Finland the problems are underlain by an women’s cooperative on Isabela Island, Tel: +3358-50-5644279 Email: [email protected] unsustainable socio-economic model that produces value-added tuna products. Web: www.galapagosnordic.org brings more investment, more immigrants, The new cooking school at the Galapagos Fundación Amigos de Galapagos more cargo, more invasive species, National College is training local culinary Spain and does not sufficiently link the local professionals for employment in the Email: [email protected] community to conservation,” said Graham tourism sector. And the Municipalities are The Japanese Association for Galapagos Watkins, Executive Director of the CDF. working with the tourism private sector Japan Tel/Fax: 03-5766-4060 There are now 1,321 registered to ensure effective recycling in the main Email: [email protected] introduced species in Galapagos whereas towns in the islands. Web: www.j-galapagos.org there were only 112 registered in 1990. “These successes and examples need Charles Darwin Foundation of Canada These include 748 species of introduced to be multiplied to ensure sustainability, Canada Tel: 416.964.4400 plants, compared to 500 species of local benefits, and the conservation of this Email: [email protected] native plants, and at unique archipelago,” commented Watkins. Friends Of Galapagos New Zealand least 490 More than ever, Galapagos needs New Zealand species of effective leadership and strong support Email: [email protected] www.galapagos.org.nz to achieve the vision of a sustainable and equitable society living in harmony with Editor: Nigel Sitwell Interim Director: John Harris nature. It is clear that the development Editorial Assistant: Abigail Rowley model for the islands requires a change Volunteer Consultant: Roz Cooper Designer: Christopher Lynn in direction—the declarations by the The front cover: A local supporter President of Ecuador and UNESCO are pictured at one of CDF’s annual “DarwinDays”© Cristina Loayza, CDF critical initial steps in this process of change. –Article based on a CDF press release. Who’s Who in Galapagos Galapagos Guides

by Rachel Dex

The Galapagos naturalist guides are work, Level Two is attained after four years, In the past, the guides course was open arguably the single most important and Level Three for those with a university to international applicants and residents factor in bringing alive the archipelago degree and multiple language skills. on the Ecuadorian mainland, usually and its amazing wildlife for the All guides are required to be members people with a keen interest in nature and thousands of visitors that arrive on its of one of the two guides’ unions—the with appropriate university qualifications. shores each year. But their role is much Associacion de Guias Interpretes del However, since the Special Law for more than guiding Galapagos was visitors, for they are introduced also in the front line in 1998 in a of the Galapagos bid to control National Park’s migration to the efforts to ensure that islands (among the growing number other things), of tourists who visit only those born the archipelago or resident in each year do not the archipelago damage the fragile can now apply ecosystems and for the course or unique wildlife. work as licensed No visitors can naturalists. enter the Galapagos While it National Park is crucially unless they are important accompanied by a to control licensed guide. Each migration to the guide is responsible islands, and also for a maximum of to offer a variety sixteen passengers of employment which means that Naturalist guide briefing visitors at Tagus Cove. (Photo by Nigel Sitwell) opportunities some of the larger for Galapagueños, vessels can have up to six guides on board, Parque Nacional Galapagos (AGIPA), or the decision not to allow qualified while smaller yachts with up to sixteen the Associacion de Guias de Galapagos university-educated people from the passengers have just a single guide. (AGPG). These organizations not only mainland to train as guides in Galapagos As well as being responsible for the look after the guides’ interests but also try has sparked fears that the quality of guides well-being of tourists under their care, a to improve public education in Galapagos. in the archipelago could start to decline key role of the guides is to ensure that Crucially, they have a voice on the Junta when the present generation of naturalist visitors follow the Galapagos National de Manejo Participativo (the Participatory guides retire. Park rules at all times while on the Management Board) which decides key islands. They are also the eyes and ears issues regarding conservation within the Rachel Dex is married to Santiago Bejarano, of the Galapagos National Park Service, marine reserve. one of the most experienced Galapagos reporting any unusual sightings or So how do people become Galapagos guides, who is Ecuadorian and started behavior and any illegal activities. guides? Individuals must first be accepted guiding in Galapagos in 1992. In 2004 There are currently 333 licensed guides for a training course controlled by the they moved with their family to England in Galapagos, either working on fixed Galapagos National Park and taught in where they run Think Galapagos, a small contracts for the larger tourism operators conjunction with the Charles Darwin specialist travel company. or on a freelance basis. The National Park Research Station. The course typically has a system of grading the guides who lasts around six weeks and includes a work on their behalf. Level One is for those final exam which they must pass before who have just completed their first year of qualifying.

3 Pinzon is designed to look to the future, when the knowledge and technology exists to eradicate introduced rodents from the larger, more complex islands. “I was thrilled to be a part of the start of another exciting program, much like Project News Isabela”, said Cayot, “and I look forward to the day when Galapagos is both goat-free and [introduced] rat-free.” From Galapagos Bryan Milstead, CDF’s Head of Provided by the Charles Darwin Foundation Vertebrates, said introduced rodents are having strong detrimental effects on biodiversity in Galapagos, as they have in natural sciences, and is well respected done elsewhere. “We look forward to People in the news in Galapagos, having served as Director working with the Galapagos National of the Galapagos National Park for seven Park to develop a state of the art rodent In May this year Peter Grant was elected years. Most recently he has worked as the eradication program that will serve as as a Foreign Associate of the National Galapagos representative for WWF, an a model for other island ecosystems Academy of Sciences of the United States. international wildlife conservation body. worldwide.” In the same month his wife, Rosemary The Galapagos Conservation Trust Grant, was elected a Fellow of Britain’s First steps to eradicate (UK) and Lindblad Expeditions (USA) Royal Society (Peter was already a provided financial support for the Fellow). Though British by birth, both rodents workshop. Catering was provided by the Grants have been working in North Colegio Galapagos cooking school, a America for many years, most recently at landmark program that is training local Princeton University. These prestigious high school students. honors celebrate their scientific studies in Heidi Snell Galapagos, and underline the significant Report based on CDF’s e-newsletter. role of the Charles Darwin Foundation. Peter Grant pointed out that “CDF has given us strong and unwavering support Major haul of shark over the past 35 years, so it is only fitting for CDF to share the benefits of public fins recognition. I hope that these two elections Black rat will also be seen as a recognition of what This spring the CDF and the GNPS Early in August the National Ecuador, and specifically Galapagos, has to hosted a 10-day international workshop Environmental Police in the port city offer its citizens in scientific exploration concentrating on the problem of of Manta seized some two tons of shark and discovery, both in inspiration and introduced rats and mice. Participants fins and arrested 15 people, although a material value.” included experts with experience in the public official later ordered them released He went on to say that the potential for eradication of rodents on other islands future discoveries in Galapagos is around the world. enormous. “This is one important reason Building on the recent success of Project CDF why we are united in our commitment to Isabela, which achieved the eradication of preserve Galapagos in as natural a state as goats, pigs, and donkeys from some of the possible. It is the responsibility of our larger islands in Galapagos, the next generation to do this for the benefit of challenge will be the elimination of future generations.” introduced rodents such as the black rat On August 8th, Rafael Correa, and the common house mouse, two of the President of Ecuador, the most invasive and destructive species appointed Eliecer that have arrived in Galapagos since the Cruz as Governor discovery of the islands in 1535. of Galapagos. This Linda Cayot, the workshop coordinator event is a high honor and long-term CDF researcher said, “The for Eliecer, but also workshop has already created an exciting and the fins returned, according to the very good news for the plan for Pinzon and Rabida Islands which Associated Press in Ecuador, and quoted in archipelago, and for all of will provide a testing ground for the the International Herald Tribune and other us who are interested in eradication of rodents from the entire newspapers. conservation. Eliecer has archipelago.” The story hit the headlines in Ecuador a background While representing a huge challenge for and elsewhere, not only because of the size both scientists and managers, Project of the haul but because the Environmental Police were accompanied by Sean O’Hearn of the environmental group Sea Shepherd, which has an agreement to assist these Three coral species on IUCN Red List police, and also assists the Galapagos A recent study by CDF, sponsored by severe El Niño events that have caused National Park Service in policing the Conservation International (CI) and dramatic rises in water temperatures in Galapagos Marine Reserve. implemented jointly with IUCN (the recent years in Galapagos waters. This Shortly after the raid, immigration World Conservation Union), has warmer water harms coral reefs that are police took O’Hearn into custody, revoked concluded that three species of corals habitats for fish and other marine life, and his visa, and threatened to deport him unique to Galapagos could soon also harms algae. for allegedly infringing Ecuadorian disappear forever. Two of the species—the sovereignty. This action was later rescinded Floreana coral (Tubastraea floreana) and and he was allowed to remain in the Wellington’s solitary coral (Rhizopsammia country (where he has an Ecuadorian wife wellingtoni) are listed as Critically and a daughter). Endangered, while a third—the Galapagos “He has committed no crime,” said coral (Polycyathus isabela)—is designated Mariana Almeida, president of the as Vulnerable. The Red List also includes Ecuadorian organization Fundacion Selva 74 Galapagos seaweeds, or algae, of which Vida, “He has had the courage to defend ten are Critically Endangered. sharks.” Two tons of fins represent a total of about 20,000 fins, each worth around US$80–100 (£40–£50) in Asia. And how many sharks died to provide the fishermen with this bonanza? Whatever the number, it’s surely too many. Galapagos kelp – Status Vulnerable Photo © Sean Connell, End of an era University of Adelaide Unfortunately, the recovery of algae Floreana coral, endemic to Galapagos A milestone in the history of Galapagos Status Critically following strong El Niño events is was reached on September 4th with the Photo © Paul Humann / www.fishid.com impaired by over-fishing of the natural death of Fritz Angermeyer at the age predators of sea urchins, which feed on the of 90. Fritz was the last survivor of the Why are these particular species algae. These include lobsters, wrasses, and four Angermeyer brothers—the others threatened with ? Scientists trigger fish. The result is mushrooming being Gus, Hans and Carl—who left believe that climate change and over- urchin populations that scour rocks clean Nazi Germany in 1935 to settle on Santa fishing—two of the biggest threats to of algae, thus depleting a major food Cruz Island. The family’s exploits are marine life—are the most likely causes. source for other species such as the marine chronicled in a captivating book by Hans Climate change is blamed for increasingly iguana. Angermeyer’s daughter Johanna, entitled My Father’s Island. Fritz’s departure severs the last link with an era when the Encantadas, or Enchanted Isles, were NASA Aids Climate Change Research inhabited by a mere handful of hardy and There is also interesting work taking place to learn more about the possible effects of adventurous souls. climate change on Galapagos. An ongoing study carried out by the Charles Darwin Foundation with funding from Galapagos at Risk NASA is using a combination of new satellite technology, a network of submerged buoys, special oceanographic instruments, and seasonal research cruises to monitor the flow, Now available online, in both English and temperature, salinity, and productivity of the cool, salty and nutrient-rich Ecuadorian Spanish: Galapagos at Risk. This document Undercurrent (EUC) as it arrives at Galapagos. summarizes studies of Galapagos from Part of the project is aimed at understanding how NASA sensors in orbit can be the last 15 years on biodiversity, conflict, used to follow changes in ocean productivity, and how that can directly help the people tourism, economics, and migration. who manage sensitive and unique marine protected areas such as the Galapagos Marine It hopes to create a new paradigm of Reserve. understanding about what is happening in The data collected through this project will help to predict the impact that changes Galapagos and underscores the declaration in EUC and El Niño could have on marine species in Galapagos, and will help better of President Correa and UNESCO’s manage ecological resources in the Galapagos National Park—especially fisheries and decision to add Galapagos to its List of dive tourism. World Heritage Sites in Danger. It can also add to our understanding of the potential of Galapagos as a “thermometer for other parts of the world,” since the unique confluence of currents in Galapagos Visit www.galapagos.org/conservation/ provides the opportunity to monitor a number of currents that travel to and impact other publications1.html to view or download regions. this document.  ensuring the future for a landmark species

The that most people associate total of only about 100 individuals living by Paquita Hoeck with Charles Darwin and his discoveries on two tiny islands close to the larger are probably the celebrated Darwin’s island of Floreana. We are trying to find finches, or perhaps the giant tortoises. out more about the genetic and health However, it was a quite different group status of this in order to devise a of that first aroused Darwin’s recovery plan for the species. In line curiosity, and greatly influenced his with the restoration project being thinking about natural selection. carried out on Floreana, we hope to These were the endemic , reintroduce mockingbirds to the large of which he saw three of the four species island where they once occurred, and during his six-week visit to Galapagos in increase their numbers to a level that will 1835. Darwin collected specimens of the ensure the species’ survival. San Cristobal mockingbird, the Floreana I arrived in Galapagos at the beginning mockingbird, and the Galapagos of November 2006 to start working on mockingbird. There is a fourth species Champion and Gardner, the two little islets living on Espanola Island, but that was not where the Floreana mockingbird still discovered until later. occurs. I was joined by an experienced These birds have been studied recently German ornithologist, Herbert Biebach, by Paquita Hoeck, who is working on her who helped me catch the birds and band Ph.D. in Zurich, Switzerland. She wrote the them for individual identification. following informal report while in Our task was to catch and band as Galapagos earlier this year: many individuals as possible to form a basis for future monitoring. We also took I am investigating the genetic structure blood samples for later genetic analysis, of mockingbird populations on different because we are interested in how similar or Floreana Island, the original home islands with the aim of determining distinct the two populations are, as well as of the Floreana mockingbird inbreeding levels and the ability of their how inbred they are. The population on immune systems to respond to various Champion currently consists of only 20 threats. This is of interest because one of individuals and has been isolated for the the Galapagos species, the Floreana last 120 years! mockingbird, is highly endangered with a  rough and it was sometimes hard for us to Based on a fishing boat disembark with our backpacks and boots while the waves were smashing the little During our trips to Champion and dinghy towards the rocks that we wanted Gardner we were based on a fishing boat to jump onto. together with a group of hunters who Gardner is a tough island to work on were working on the Floreana restoration because it is very steep and difficult to land project. Every morning we were taken by there. It is much larger than Champion boat to either Champion or Gardner to and it became clear very soon that we Hoeck Paquita Photos: catch birds, while the hunters were taken would never to Floreana to be able to hunt feral goats catch all the and donkeys. mockingbirds It was on Gardner, a unique simply because experience to we didn’t have live on a enough time small fishing and because boat together some parts of with 16 men Floreana mockingbird with bands on its legs. the island were and sometimes The bird opposite is on an Opuntia cactus. inaccessible. 20 dogs, However, we especially for did manage me as I was the Herbert headed back to Europe. I to catch and only woman. remained in Galapagos for some weeks band a good Every hunter was more, traveling to several different islands number of birds on the flatter part of the assigned two dogs for their work, dogs that to catch mockingbirds, and discussing with island. Champion was very different in this are highly trained to run over sharp lava other experts the plans for a Floreana respect. It is a tiny island of about 9 rocks and detect and corral goats; they mockingbird recovery project. hectares (22 acres), and is much easier to were really vivacious and hard-working walk on and place food traps for the animals. Paquita Hoeck’s interest in the Galapagos mockers. At the end of one week on We were glad, however, that most of Islands no doubt stems from the fact that Champion we had caught 19 of the 20 the time the dogs could stay overnight on she lived at the Charles Darwin Research individuals we had seen, which was a really shore because there was really not that Station as a small child when her father, satisfactory result. much space on the boat, especially when Hendrik Hoeck, was the Director. Peter and When we had finished our work on 17 people were trying to have supper on a Rosemary Grant have provided funds from these small islets for the time being, windy and shaky deck. The sea was really their Balzan Prize to support Paquita’s field work.

Second Annual National High School Essay Contest Climate, Agriculture, and Evolution 1,000 word essay on one of these two topics: Climate and Evolution Agriculture and Evolution

For full information, visit http://www.allianceforscience.org/essay and for questions, comments, or offers to help, contact us at [email protected]. Submission deadline: Feb. 29, 2008.

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 GLOBAL GALAPAGOS Broadening the Conservation Agenda: Social Science in Galapagos

by Johannah Barry Critical data Galapagos are to be addressed effectively. Both institutions have signaled the Over the last several months, the Social science in Galapagos is not new. importance of integrating local residents international community has focused Landmark publications such as into conservation planning and both significant attention on the threats to Indicadores Regionales (Jose Rodriguez, institutions are supporting a hard look the biological integrity of Galapagos. 1992) and the important series of at the economic drivers which are This heightened interest was sparked by Galapagos Reports, published by the threatening to overwhelm the limited conflicts between Galapagos National World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and governance capacity now present in Park Service and Ecuadorian Air Force Galapagos. personnel, a UNESCO visit to consider Many supporters of placing Galapagos on the World GC and the CDF Heritage Sites in Danger List—and their have asked if it subsequent decision to do so—and a is necessary and declaration by Ecuador’s President Rafael appropriate for a Correa recognizing that Galapagos is at scientific institution risk and requires an urgent and radical to take on, or at change in the direction of development. the very least, to The statistics are overwhelming. catalyze social science Tourism visitation in Galapagos has research. The answer grown from 40,000 in 1991 to more than is an overwhelming 120,000 in 2006; over this same period Yes. Does this work the contribution of tourism to the local Many flights arrive every day at airports in Galapagos. stretch the already economy grew at a yearly rate of 14%. This limited capacity of the rapid economic growth has been coupled Fundacion Natura (1998–2002), have Foundation, the Galapagos National Park with a parallel rise in legal and illegal provided critical data for policy makers Service, INGALA, and other organizations immigration which has outpaced the over the years. But the speed at which both in Galapagos? Again, the answer is Yes. capacity of the management authorities of tourism and migration are growing, and The central role of these institutions is to Galapagos, including local municipalities, the increasing conflicts among sectors in conserve Galapagos as a World Heritage the National Institute of Galapagos Galapagos, signal a system dangerously Site and a biological treasure. To tackle (INGALA), the Galapagos National Park, close to the tipping point. The Charles the fundamental biological threats that are the Galapagos Inspection and Quarantine Darwin Foundation (CDF) and its US now affecting Galapagos (exploitation of System, and other local and national partner, Galapagos Conservancy (GC), fragile plant and animal populations, and agencies. are among the institutions which have the introduction of alien species, including At the heart of the challenges now collaborated to produce Galapagos Report disease), the key institutions in Galapagos facing Galapagos is a disconnection 2006-07, a compilation of economic, must turn their attention to the single between one of the world’s most precious environmental, and social data and factor which is at the heart of these wilderness areas and its resident analyses which seek to quantify and challenges—people. population. The unchecked growth in illuminate a range of socio-economic Many questions must be answered. tourism and migration are symptoms of factors now affecting the Islands. New business models have been proposed a human population, whether resident or The conservation actors in Galapagos, for residents, but do we fully understand temporary, which has yet to reconcile the along with the international community of markets, the complexion of the labor force responsibilities inherent with living in and scientists and managers and policy makers, in Galapagos, and the social and around a premier national park with the have made a bold move by incorporating environmental impacts of these models? understandable need to earn a living. This social science into the fabric of the What sort of investments should be dichotomy is now squarely before the local conservation work now at play in the encouraged? What sorts of incentives and and international conservation archipelago. The traditional role of regulations are needed? How can current community. The long-term conservation of the CDF and the Galapagos National tourism models and concession systems be Galapagos will ultimately depend on how Park as science advisors and managers, adjusted in ways that ensure local benefits, these human issues are managed. respectively, must be broadened if the core issues of conservation in (continued on page 10)  Herbarium Happenings by Patricia Jaramillo and Frank Bungartz

The following years saw a continuous tubers, and other oversize collections are A Brief History increase of the collection, from 7,000 stored separately. Additional collections of of “CDS” specimens in 1996 to 14,000 in 2003, to succulents, plant parts such as soft fruits or more than 30,000 specimens today. During flowers, and marine algae (which comprise Systematic botanical exploration of the these years, considerable improvements the majority of these collections) are stored Galapagos Islands dates back to the to secure adequate preservation of as wet collections in Copenhagen Mixture Galapagos International Scientific Project specimens were also introduced. For (70% ethanol, 29% water, 1% glycerol). in 1964. Before this expedition, botanical the first time, protocols of collection, Lichens and bryophytes are stored in research in Galapagos benefited from curation, maintenance, and storage were folded herbarium envelopes, upright within a long history of visiting scientists, but meticulously followed and a regular drawers. If necessary, fragile specimens are 1964 marks a turning point. A permanent monitoring and pest control regime was mounted for support on cardboard. Fungi, research facility was finally established introduced. the organisms that are generally most on the islands. susceptible to pests and mold, are kept in Under the auspices cardboard boxes or herbarium envelopes, of the UNESCO which are placed with silica gel in Ziploc® and the World bags. The specimens are regularly checked Conservation and the silica is replaced according to the Union, the Charles silica gel color indicator. Darwin Research Station (CDRS) was established. Future Projects

Here, resident Since 2005, the CDRS has been planning scientists now lived to build up a seed collection of native and worked. and endemic endangered plants. Viable Facilities on the seeds will be collected from native and islands in these endemic Galapagos plants, and stored early years were with silica gel inside sealed glass tubes. limited. Therefore, These tubes will then be stored with silica before 1963, all in hermetic storage jars inside a cold plant collections Visiting scientist Conley K. McMullen (James Madison University) cabinet (-5° C). Periodically, seeds will were generally checking CDS Herbarium specimens inside the new herbarium building. be tested for germination. This method is deposited in well established and has been tested, and herbaria outside the archipelago, typically in comparison with many other storage at research institutes where international The Current Situation regimes has yielded excellent long term visitors were based. results. Scientific research by scientists living The CDS herbarium is the largest The seedbank will focus first on on the islands required direct access to collection in the world that specializes critically endangered, native, and endemic reference collections, and the first botanists in plants and plant-like organisms from Galapagos species. Of course, we hope at the CDRS therefore decided to establish Galapagos. More than 85% of all native that this drastic backup measure will never a herbarium at the research station. The and endemic vascular plant species are be necessary as the ultimate resource to first collections accessioned to the new today represented in the herbarium. With re-introduce species that become extinct in herbarium were made in 1963–64 by David the recent completion of an introduced the wild. It is anticipated that the seedbank Snow, then Director of the CDRS. One of plant inventory, CDS holds the most will regularly act as a resource to boost the most important contributions during complete collection of plants that were natural populations that are in decline. these pioneer years was the collection by brought to the islands by man, accidentally

Ira L. Wiggins in 1966, who left duplicates or on purpose. that were collected for his preparation of Currently, the herbarium includes more Financial Support the first modern, comprehensive vascular than 20,000 vascular plant specimens. The plant flora of the islands. In 1975, the status great majority of this material is dried, The CDS Herbarium’s primary problem of the CDRS herbarium was internationally pressed plants; mounted on herbarium has always been lack of funding. Estimates recognized with its inclusion in Index sheets, stored in traditional metallic, of annual collection maintenance, costs Herbariorum and its being assigned the galvanized specimen cabinets. Large, dried institutional identifierCDS . specimens of fruit, wood, bark, roots, (continued on page 10)

 (continued from page 8) and parallel migration and education recognition for their ecological fragility is reforms, there is an unsettling delay in the deeply disturbing. To save Galapagos will a high quality visitor experience, and less ability of government and multilateral require not only an acknowledgement that growth? Local governance is being tested donors to step up and provide necessary people are firmly a part of the archipelago’s and challenged. How can that governance resources. Galapagos Conservancy is at the landscape, but that people will ultimately be strengthened to clarify leadership and forefront of raising funds to undertake this provide the solutions. This may seem reduce complexity? work. We are looking for partners counter-intuitive while speaking about Attracting the funding and expertise worldwide to support these investigations, wilderness. But there are few places on necessary to undertake this work will not while at the same time continuing to fund the planet where there are no human be easy. Despite President Correa’s call for the core conservation programs that are so footprints, and Galapagos is one of those an immediate invasive species control plan critical to the biological health and places where the footprint is still faint. integrity of the archipelago. Johannah Barry is the President of Galapagos Conservancy. Formerly known as the Charles Darwin Foundation, Inc., it The human is based in Falls Church, VA, just outside Washington, DC. It was the first Friends of footprint Galapagos organization to be established in Galapagos has the world. attracted the imagination of artists, writers, scientists, and conservationists for more than two hundred years. That these islands An aerial view of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. (Heidi Snell) are now receiving international

(continued from page 9) provide a forum for discussion and action on all issues confronting herbaria, and to for curation materials, equipment extend its efforts and interject its influence replacement, and the salary of the toward the protection and preservation of herbarium curator are approximately endangered herbaria. Website: http://www. $45,000. Without the herbarium as a societyofherbariumcurators.org/ general resource, most plant research would not be possible.

Nevertheless, it is very difficult to secure ongoing funding. For more information on how you can support CDS, please contact Galapagos Conservancy.

Authors: Patricia Jaramillo and Frank Bungartz of the Botany Department at the Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

This article is excerpted from a longer Darwin’s Cotton and Opuntia Cactus article from the July 2007 issue of The with Carpenter bee. (Photos: Gerald Vasculum, the biannual newsletter of Corsi and Carol Hemminger) The Society of Herbarium Curators, an umbrella organization aiming to unite herbaria across the nation and around the world. The purpose of the society is to promote and expand the role of herbaria in botanical research, teaching, and service to the community at large, to

10 Canine Distemper Outbreak in Galapagos By Monika Hilbean and Felix Ehrensperger

In March of this year, the two of us 10,000 Caspian seals died of this disease. It arrive in the islands during the incubation together with 13 friends from Switzerland is thought that ecological factors and phase of the disease. and Germany, had the chance to make a overpopulation contributed to the The unvaccinated dog population in two-week visit to the Galapagos Islands appearance of this disease among seals. Galapagos is likely to be very susceptible to under the leadership of Dr. Hendrik The origin of the events has not been the virus because they have had rare or no Hoeck of the Swiss Friends of Galapagos. identified, but it is assumed that the contact with it in the past. This is why While we were there, we heard that canine virus passed from a dog or dogs to the canine distemper is a time bomb that can seal population. Not at any time enter the region and infect much is known about the other animals. sensitivity of sea lions to The danger of passing the virus to this virus and there seem the local sea lion population is a real to be few documented possibility, and it is for this reason that cases among them. every measure should be taken to reduce We learned from the danger to a minimum or indeed Marylin Cruz that all eliminate it. Prophylactic vaccination of possible measures had dogs is clearly needed. immediately been put in The endemic Galapagos sea lion could be at risk place by the Galapagos from canine distemper. (Photos from top to bot- distemper had been found on the island National Park to prevent the spread of tom: Jill Lee, Carl Foreman, Wayne Hartschuh) of Isabela. Four of us in the group were the disease veterinarians and we were keen to know between dogs more about this event. Thanks to Hendrik, and sea lions. we were able to meet staff at the Galapagos For example, National Park and talk with the Park vet, dog owners had Dr. Marylin Cruz, about the outbreak and to keep their the measures that should be taken. animals inside Canine distemper is a contagious viral temporarily, disease, which mostly affects dogs, but can and disinfectant also infect some other mammals, including baths had been occasionally seals. The disease is much installed for rarer in wild cats but in the Serengeti in visitors and locals Tanzania, it has infected and killed lions. at the ports. Animal to animal transfer is by secretions Once in such as saliva and tears. Mostly young contact with sick dogs between eight weeks and six months animals, strict are infected and become ill about four hygiene measures are essential days afterwards. The infection spreads to stop the virus from spreading. and if insufficient antibodies are produced The most important during the first nine days, the dogs develop preventive measure is one or several of the following symptoms: vaccination. However, the high fever, anorexia, apathy, vomiting, problem in Galapagos is that dog sneezing, coughing, conjunctivitis, and vaccination is banned by law—a breathing difficulties or pneumonia. If the government decision which runs brain is affected, there is little likelihood of counter to the advice of Marylin recovery. Cruz and many other The canine distemper virus closely scientists. A big risk is surely resembles the measles virus in man and posed by any dogs that may be phocine distemper virus in seals. In 1988, brought in illegally from the more than 17,000 seals died in the North continent, and which might have Sea and during the year 2000 more than had contact with the virus and 407 North Washington Street, Suite 105

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