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ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION INITIATIVE 2014-2018 Yellow Warbler © Delaney Anderson

Why Are HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS Important?

he long-term protection of Galapagos depends upon healthy natural ecosystems and the restoration of the TIslands closer to their historical condition — as they existed prior to the first arrival of humans. The natural balance of the plants and that evolved in Galapagos was damaged long ago by whalers, pirates, early settlers, and the many that arrived with them. Recent human activity and the increasing impacts of non-native species have continued to disrupt many fundamental natural processes involving interactions among plants, animals, microorganisms, and their environment. If left unchecked, the Galapagos will eventually suffer irreversible losses of native and endemic flora and fauna.

GALAPAGOS CONSERVANCY: RESTORATION IN ACTION

Over the past 20 , Galapagos Conservancy has helped to restore many threatened populations and to reduce the impact of invasive species with an unprecedented commitment of personnel, resources, and expertise. Between 2014 and 2018, GC seeks to invest more than $4 million in ecosystem restoration projects. Our overarching goals are: • Reducing the human footprint, including impacts from • Restoring uninhabited islands closer to their historical condition prior to the first arrival of humans in the Archipelago • Lessening the negative impact of humans on the inhabited islands. In recent years, conservation efforts have shifted from a species-specific approach to an approach that strives to restore entire ecosystems. Building on the successful eradication of introduced species, such as and that can dramatically alter natural systems, GC’s efforts over the next five years will focus on the holistic restoration of and islands. Projects targeting the islands that are inhabited by humans will meld biological research with social science, linking ecosystem restoration with sustainable livelihoods for the people who Sunrise at Garrapatero on Santa Cruz live there. © Sarah Knutie TURNING BACK THE CLOCK, BY ISLAND GC WILL INVEST $4,000,000 OVER 5 YEARS Protecting and restoring one of the world’s most remarkable places — the Galapagos Islands — is at the core of our Ecosystem Restoration Initiative.

Fessl, Causton, and Jaeger lead GC-funded projects. Tapia (right) carries a giant tortoise on Pinta Island in 2010. GIANT TORTOISE RESTORATION © Linda Cayot Highest Priorities Giant tortoises have been extinct on Floreana since the Scientist Spotlight mid-1800s and, with the loss in 2012 of the famous tortoise New Leadership for Lonesome George, the giant tortoise of Pinta Island was added to the list of extinct species. However, with the recent discovery Funded by Galapagos Conservancy, these Giant Tortoise Restoration of tortoise hybrids on Wolf Volcano with both Pinta and scientists at the Foundation Floreana ancestry, we have the opportunity to return tortoise (CDF) lead the way to save land , combat populations to both of these islands. By removing as many invasive , and restore the highlands. Washington Tapia, hybrids of non-Wolf ancestry as possible, we can also strengthen the genetic lineage of the original Wolf Volcano tortoise species. Dr. Charlotte Causton is an entomologist and specialist in Tortoise Team Leader We are establishing a small team of experts to work directly biological control of invasive insects. Beginning in 1997, Washington Tapia (Wacho), a Galapagos native, has with the Galapagos National Park Directorate in the planning Charlotte led invertebrate research at the CDF for 10 years been working for Galapagos conservation since his high and implementation of all tortoise restoration projects. and helped design the quarantine program for Galapagos. school days. He began as a volunteer at the Charles Darwin Her ground-breaking research on the control of the invasive Research Station (CDRS) working at the tortoise and land Total funding needed: $1,200,000 Giant tortoises wallow in a shady pond in the Santa Cruz highlands. cottony cushion scale led to the successful release of the iguana rearing centers. He received a scholarship from the $240,000 per for five years beginning in 2014 © Iris Waanders Australian ladybug as a biological control mechanism. CDRS to complete his university Charlotte is currently coordinating an international effort to combat a very problematic , the invasive bot Philornis studies from Universidad Tecnica Long-term Priorities COMBATTING INVASIVE SPECIES del Norte in Ibarra, Ecuador and downsi. She organized a 2012 international workshop in Major efforts over the next five years and beyond will include completed his thesis on giant Highest Priorities Galapagos that resulted in both a strategic research and the return of giant tortoises to Santa Fe Island, and population tortoises of Cinco Cerros on Galapagos is at risk from the harmful effects of introduced management plan of this invasive fly, as well as the Land surveys and more extensive genetic sampling of the lesser- southern Isabela Island under the invasive plants, animals, and micro-organisms. Invasive species Conservation Plan designed to reverse the decline of song known populations of southern Isabela, San Cristóbal, supervision of Dr. Linda Cayot. He can change habitats, crowd out or replace native species, and birds, including many of “Darwin’s finches.” and Santiago islands. Ongoing research on tortoise-plant then worked for the Galapagos affect human activities. It is vital to develop management tools interactions on Española Island to enhance restoration Dr. Birgit Fessl is currently the Coordinator for the Land National Park Directorate for to combat the most destructive of these invaders, as well as efforts will be expanded to several other arid islands. In Plan for Galapagos, developed in 2012 fifteen years, leading their science improve detection methods to identify new risks. Research addition, an enhanced data and information management to define research and action priorities to ensure the survival program and technical group. and management of the introduced parasitic bot fly, Philornis Washington Tapia with system will be developed. of the most . Birgit is an ornithologist, downsi, which is negatively impacting finch and other land specializing in breeding biology and feeding . She Wacho is now assuming GC’s Dr. Linda Cayot. Total funding needed: $550,000 © Patricia Jaramillo bird populations, is our top priority. Galapagos Conservancy began her relationship with Galapagos while studying the leadership role for the $110,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 continues to fund the lead scientist in this effort. Giant Tortoise Restoration woodpecker finches in the mid ‘90s before moving on to undertake land bird censuses and to study the impact of the Initiative, working directly with the Galapagos National Park SAVING THE LAND BIRDS Total funding needed: $500,000 Directorate and international tortoise experts. He is a reptile invasive bot fly Philornis downsi on land birds. From 2006- expert and ideally suited to lead the project management Several iconic land bird populations are in a spiraling decline. $100,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 2009, she was the Mangrove Finch Project field manager efforts for giant tortoise conservation. Wacho has a long- Mangrove and medium tree finches, as well as the Floreana and has since continued as scientific advisor to that project. Birgit brings years of in-the-field experience and will build on term vision for Galapagos, is dedicated to ensuring a mockingbird, are all critically endangered. Timely studies of Long-term Priorities positive future for the Islands, and is deeply passionate about these species, as well as vermilion flycatchers, may help prevent established relationships with partners. the first of a bird species in Galapagos since humans Other priority projects within the invasive species program tortoises. Dr. Heinke Jaeger is CDF’s resident Restoration Ecologist discovered the islands. With the focus on the inhabited islands include research to develop methodologies to combat other in charge of research for the holistic restoration of habitats The success of the Tortoise Initiative will depend upon of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana, the goal is invasive insects, the Giant African Land Snail, and plants. and islands. Heinke is best known for her work in the late its having an exceptional management team, overseen and to develop management methods to ensure the survival of these Galapagos Conservancy will also support the campaign to ‘90s on the ecology of the invasive quinine tree, which helped guided by a knowledgeable, experienced leader. Wacho will rare Galapagos birds. Galapagos Conservancy will fund the lead eliminate introduced rats, mice, and feral cats on Floreana contribute to its control. She worked as a senior plant ecologist be responsible for planning, development, and execution scientists in this effort. Island, as well as follow-up projects related to the rodent at the CDF from 2000–2005, and then completed her PhD of research and management projects; collaboration and Total funding needed: $500,000 eradication campaigns of 2011 and 2012. on the invasion and control of quinine on Santa Cruz. Dr. coordination with the park, scientists, and others; data analysis $100,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 Jaeger returned to CDF in 2013 and collaborates with both and communication; project evaluation; and management- Total funding needed: $500,000 Dr. Fessl and Dr. Causton on investigations of plant/animal oriented and peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Linda Cayot will $100,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 relationships to find solutions to pressing threats. provide overall supervision of the project. cosystem restoration is at the core of our work to save and protect the incredible species and “ Eenvironments that make up the Galapagos Islands for posterity. Saving requires urgent action, but, over the long term, we need to preserve, protect, and restore the ecological and evolutionary processes that make Galapagos unique. In 2011 on Pinta — Dr.” Linda Cayot, Science Advisor for Galapagos Conservancy Island, Elizabeth Hunter of SUNY-ESF locates giant tortoises the effectiveness of removing introduced species, it is also that were released Climate Change Implications for with GPS-tags one Galapagos imperative to be able to identify unforeseen problems in the year earlier. A lonely giant tortoise ambles away from a herd of feral goats on Isabela restoration process and determine appropriate management © Daniel Lara Island back in the 1990s. For years, goats ravaged the landscape at the Changes to our planet’s climate caused by human activities actions. Galapagos Conservancy will continue to fund expense of Galapagos’ iconic giant tortoises and other species. © GNPD could be more rapid than has been observed in many thousands monitoring efforts on Pinzón (post--eradication) and other Project Pinta of years. In the islands famous for being the world’s “laboratory islands. of evolution,” the unique flora and fauna may not be able to Total funding needed: $200,000 (2009 and ongoing) adapt quickly enough. Decision-makers in all sectors, from $40,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 The restoration of Pinta Island began with the eradication Island-Restoration natural resource managers to those responsible for human of goats during Project Isabela (see sidebar at left). With welfare, urgently need scientifically-based information on the Understanding Complex Plant-Animal- invasive mammals removed and few introduced plants, the potential impacts of global climate change on Galapagos. Success Stories Habitat Relationships on Arid Islands island only needed giant tortoises for full restoration. A one-year expert-in-residence is needed to evaluate Galapagos Conservancy is a principal collaborator with climate change implications and adapt global-scale oceanic Current research on Española Island is highlighting long- the Galapagos National Park Directorate in the return of and atmospheric processes to the Eastern Tropical Pacific term impacts of the eradicated population that had not giant tortoises to Pinta. GC funded and worked with the US Restoring individual islands requires collaboration zone, within which the Galapagos Islands are located. This will previously been understood, such as soil impaction and an veterinarians who carried out the sterilization of 39 hybrid among a large group of organizations and provide a scientific foundation for evaluating which climate unnatural increase in woody vegetation. These impacts were tortoises released on Pinta in 2010, and funded the two-year individuals, multi-million-dollar budgets with project change scenario(s) is most realistic and determining links likely compounded by the decades-long absence of a large follow-up study of those tortoises and their impact on the tortoise population. Additional research is needed to fully timelines spanning several years, and a commitment between global-scale predictions and on-the-ground natural vegetation. We continue to collaborate on the ongoing Giant processes in Galapagos. Galapagos Conservancy will collaborate understand these trends and their effect on waved Tortoise Restoration Initiative to re-establish a reproductive and persistence to keep going. Galapagos in the establishment of a network of climate monitoring stations (loss of nesting areas) and giant tortoises (loss of habitat). A tortoise population on Pinta, using hybrid tortoises with Conservancy plays several important roles within throughout Galapagos. better understanding of the complexity of the ecosystem will partial Pinta ancestry found on Isabela’s Wolf Volcano. these mega-projects, from funder, to catalyst, to help in developing methodologies for restoration management. This research and resulting management protocols will be project leader. Our agility and ability to respond Total funding needed (1-year only): $110,000 expanded to other arid islands, including Pinta, Santa Fe, and A helicopter prepares to drop quickly allow us to help solve urgent problems at a Pinzón. Galapagos Conservancy will support this work in Project Floreana rat bait on Pinzón Island. moment’s notice. collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Directorate. © Island Conservation Project Isabela Floreana Island is one of the most ecologically degraded islands in the archipelago. The first to be settled by humans, Total funding needed: $250,000 (1998-2006) Floreana has sustained a significant loss of , with the $50,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 Galapagos Conservancy was one of the original highest number of local , including giant tortoises, collaborators on Project Isabela, the largest ecosystem mockingbirds, and snakes. The restoration of Floreana must Reducing the Human Footprint on Inhabited restoration effort in the world to be conducted in a link conservation with the lives of the approximately 120 human Islands . inhabitants. Already, the eradication of introduced goats from Ecosystem restoration has primarily targeted uninhabited This project began in response to the massive destruction Floreana has resulted in the recovery of native vegetation, islands. While Project Floreana is the first island-wide by introduced goats of both native vegetation and terrain. A and plans are underway to eliminate introduced rodents restoration project on an inhabited island, there is an urgent multi-million-dollar endeavor, this project removed invasive and feral cats. Recovery of the habitat will pave the way for need to reduce human impacts on the others. As development Project Pinzón mammals from northern Isabela, Santiago, and Pinta reintroductions of giant tortoises and the Floreana mockingbird. continues, the inhabited islands are seeing an increase in roads (2012 and ongoing) islands, as the first step in restoring the ecology of these We will continue to collaborate with our partners in this project, and infrastructure in the highlands. The increasing custom of islands. During the nine-year project, GC invested more than filling funding gaps and providing expertise when needed. Captive rearing of the Pinzón Island giant tortoises began planting trees close together to form solid fences in the highland $1,000,000 which, coupled with a multi-million dollar grant in the 1960s, with the collection of eggs and hatchlings from farms may be impeding giant tortoise migrations. Studies show from the Global Environment Facility, helped successfully Total funding needed: $150,000 natural nests, incubation of eggs, rearing hatchlings to a “rat- that road traffic kills hundreds of birds every day, a situation eradicate feral goats and pigs from several islands, trained $30,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 proof” size (4-5 years), and releasing them back on the island. that could be avoided with research supported actions. Funding Galapagos National Park rangers in the use of GPS and other Black rats, introduced to Pinzón in the late 1800s, had research on inhabited islands will involve local residents, technologies, created new methodologies applicable to future essentially eaten all tortoise eggs and hatchlings for nearly both as observers and participants, thus providing a better projects, and built local capacity for managing multi-year, Post-Eradication Monitoring an entire century. A rat eradication campaign was carried understanding of conservation and its implications beyond their multi-million-dollar conservation projects. out in November 2012. Preliminary monitoring indicates that Recent eradications of goats, pigs, and rats on several islands home island. Galapagos Conservancy will support research and Lessons learned during Project Isabela have helped tortoise hatchlings are successfully emerging from their nests have resulted in the rapid recovery of vegetation. However, aid in the establishment of a citizen science program to involve ensure success in rodent eradication campaigns on other and the Galapagos dove population has increased in size. we are seeing some unexpected impacts, including the spread Galapagos residents in this work. islands, as well as other large-scale conservation projects of introduced plants in some areas. Galapagos Conservancy As the island recovers from its century-long rat taking place throughout the archipelago today — and well infestation, we expect to see the recovery of many other recently funded a study on Galapagos hawks to assess how the Total funding needed: $250,000 into the future. native plant and animal populations. recovering vegetation might affect a bird that primarily hunts in $50,000 per year for five years beginning in 2014 open habitat. While post-eradication monitoring demonstrates Galapagos Conservancy helps to provide the tools to recover entire habitats for many of the endangered species of Galapagos, SPECIES enhancing their chance of survival. Here are some of the unique Galapagos animals and plants that you will help through support SPOTLIGHT of our Ecosystem Restoration Initiative.

How do we know if a Mangrove Finch – critically endangered Medium Tree Finch – critically endangered Giant Tortoise – vulnerable species is endangered? With an estimated population Unique to Floreana, the medium A recent assessment of the giant of just 60-80 individuals, the tree finch population is estimated tortoises of Galapagos will result mangrove finch is one of the rarest at 1,500 mature individuals, and in major changes to its red- birds in the world. Causes for the population is decreasing. listing by the IUCN. Now with orking in conservation, we often hear the terms its demise are still under study The most significant threat is each population considered to Wthreatened or endangered. What do these terms mean but likely include by a parasitic bot fly, Philornis be a separate species, the threat and who determines their use? black rats and loss of nestlings downsi, which kills nestlings. The category will be determined The International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to an introduced parasitic restoration of Floreana, combined population by population. (IUCN) established the Red List of , with bot fly, Philornis downsi. Other with research and management Rebuilding the tortoise the status of each species reviewed periodically by scientists potential risks include introduced of the invasive bot fly, will help to populations after the devastating from around the world. Criteria are based on population pathogens, climate change, and ensure this species’ survival. exploitation by humans in estimates and trends, geographic range, and the probability unpredictable events such as future land uplifts caused by centuries past is closely tied to the restoration of tortoise habitat. of extinction. earthquakes in their territories. Galapagos Rail – vulnerable As the top herbivore in Galapagos, tortoises play a role in establishing a natural balance and ensuring that the ecosystem This shy bird inhabits grassy The categories used to describe will better support other native and endemic species. the status of a species are: Floreana Mockingbird – critically endangered areas and forests in the highlands of several islands where it Another extremely rare bird, Miconia – EXTINCT is vulnerable to introduced endangered the Floreana mockingbird has predators, including rats and cats. The only Galapagos species of no reasonable doubt that the last been extinct on Floreana for by grazing Miconia, a beautiful shrub that individual has died nearly 150 years, with small accounts for its rarity on San can grow to two meters high, is remnant populations surviving EXTINCT IN THE WILD Cristóbal and Floreana, while endemic to Santa Cruz and San on two satellite islands. Project known only to survive in cultivation, the invasion of the highlands of Cristóbal and forms an important Floreana will set the stage for the in captivity, or as a naturalized Santa Cruz by the quinine plant shrub zone in the highlands. reintroduction of this species to population (or populations) well has resulted in the loss of fern and Crowding out by the invasive the main island. Feral goats are sedge vegetation favored by the rails. Evidence of population quinine tree is the primary threat. outside its historical range gone and vegetation is starting increases in highland areas where goats have been eliminated Continuing the restoration of the to recover. The elimination of CRITICALLY ENDANGERED indicates the population could have a major comeback as a affected areas is needed to ensure feral cats and introduced rodents, unnatural predators of the considered to be facing an extremely result of ecosystem restoration. the survival of this species and the mockingbird, is planned for 2015. high risk of extinction in the wild vegetation zone named for it. Galapagos Petrel – critically endangered ENDANGERED Vermilion Flycatcher – Other Endangered Plants least concern The only to nest in the considered to be facing a very high Although currently listed as of highlands of the larger islands, the Several species of endemic and risk of extinction in the wild least concern as an IUCN Red petrel is threatened as a result of native plants that were endangered VULNERABLE List species, vermilion flycatcher introduced cats and rats, which — or were considered extinct in populations are disappearing from prey on the eggs, hatchlings, and a few cases — have reappeared considered to be facing a high risk inhabited islands. Already thought some adults. Habitat restoration in restoration areas, especially of extinction in the wild to be extinct on Floreana and San and the elimination of the where more aggressive introduced NEAR THREATENED Cristóbal, a few remain on Santa introduced mammals will help to species have been controlled. The last known population of Scalesia likely to qualify for a threatened Cruz. Threats include changes in ensure their survival. affinis (pictured right) on Santa category in the near future land use, predation by introduced mammals and birds, use of Cruz is recovering. Scalesias are LEAST CONCERN chemicals for fumigation, and of Photo credits for photos above (left to right, top line first): Birgit Fessl, the “Darwin’s finches of the plant species is widespread and abundant most concern, the introduced parasitic bot fly, Philornis downsi, Luis Ortiz-Catedral, Erica Clark, Luis Ortiz-Catedral, CDRS Archive, world” and this population was on the brink of extinction due which kills nestlings. Patricia Jaramillo, Judy Molinaro, Richard Podolsky, Patricia Jaramillo to the expanding urban footprint and illegal rock extraction. THE ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TEAM

Galapagos Conservancy collaborates with the Government of Ecuador, the Galapagos National Park Directorate, the Charles Darwin Foundation, other non- governmental organizations, and an international network of scientists, other professionals, and Galapagos residents to ensure the success of large conservation and restoration projects.

Dr. Linda Cayot is Galapagos Conservancy’s Science Advisor and will play a prominent role in GC’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative through her collaboration with our partners to ensure that our investments have a positive long-term impact on Galapagos conservation. She brings decades of hands-on experience in Galapagos, beginning with her study of giant tortoises for her PhD in 1981. Among her many accomplishments, she served as The natural activities of giant tortoises are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems in Galapagos. herpetologist of the Charles Darwin Research Brought to Pinta Island in 2010 to act as “habitat engineers,” these two satellite-tagged hybrid Station for 10 years, was the first coordinator tortoises have just taken their first steps on Pinta as part of the ongoing efforts to restore that island. of Project Isabela, and continues to play a © GC archive major role in Project Pinta (see pages 4-5).

GALAPAGOS The Charles Darwin CONSERVANCY Foundation (CDF) provides knowledge and assistance to is a leader in the global the Government of Ecuador collaborative effort to through scientific research balance both conservation and complementary action to ensure the conservation and a thriving community of the environment and in one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems. We value biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands. Within innovative science and conservation management that seek to this context, CDF aims to be the world’s protect the unique flora and fauna of Galapagos, while striving to leading research institution dedicated to the conservation of the biological diversity add knowledge to the world’s understanding of this complex world and natural resources of Galapagos, and of strange and wonderful creatures. We envision a healthy and is committed to building a sustainable and engaged society within Galapagos that actively cares for and respects collaborative society to achieve this objective. the natural world in which they live. See the sidebar on page 3 for the collaborating CDF scientists that are funded by Galapagos Preserve. Protect. Restore. Conservancy. Questions or comments? Contact Richard Knab at [email protected] or 703-383-0077.

GALAPAGOS CONSERVANCY 11150 Fairfax Boulevard, Suite 408 w Fairfax, VA 22030 USA [email protected] w www.galapagos.org