Floreana Flourishes Again: A Journey of Hope, Conservation, and Restoration

18 Oct 2023
On Floreana Island, an extraordinary story of ecological restoration is taking shape. This blog is a journey to discover the tireless work that opens up a new chapter in the history of Galapagos. Join us on this inspiring journey where biodiversity is renewed, and hope shines as a guiding light amidst the shadows of a worldwide loss of nature.

Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of living a unique and enriching experience: being part of the ecological restoration of Floreana Island in Galapagos. This transformative project stands as a conservation milestone, undoubtedly reshaping the history of these remarkable islands.

Floreana, the sixth-largest island in the archipelago, with its 42,326 acres, has become the perfect stage for using cutting-edge technology to conserve and rewild one of the enchanted islands. This island's small population of around 160 people relies on tourism, agriculture, and artisanal fishing for its livelihood. This project will not only benefit conservation but also the quality of life of the local community.

A Second Chance for Endemic Species

One of the project's most exciting aspects is the reintroduction of 12 out of the 13 locally extinct species, which will return to their natural habitat, including the iconic Floreana mockingbird and the giant tortoise. Rewilding is a key concept in this endeavor, as it involves returning these species to their natural environment, a crucial step towards the revitalization of a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

For example, the iconic Floreana giant tortoise, Chelonoidis niger, once thrived abundantly on this land. Today, this species is classified as extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The extinction of this tortoise, once estimated to have a population of 8,000 individuals, is believed to have occurred in the 1840s or 1850s. The Floreana giant tortoise became extinct owing to extensive exploitation by sailors, mainly whalers who, between 1831 and 1837, killed at least 1,775 tortoises, as well as settlers who used these tortoises as a food source. Furthermore, the introduction of invasive vertebrate species such as goats, pigs, dogs, cats, donkeys, and rodents, which fed on tortoise eggs and hatchlings or destroyed their habitat, contributed to their disappearance.

However, recently, hybrids with high levels of C. niger ancestry have been discovered on other islands of the Galapagos. We now have the unique opportunity to repopulate Floreana Island with tortoises resembling genetically the original population of Floreana Giant Tortoises, once the invasive species are successfully eradicated.

Day-to-Day Life on Floreana

With the start of the eradication phase, the work on Floreana is truly demanding, starting from dawn and extending to dusk and even early mornings. Activities kick off promptly at 5:30 in the morning, and every minute of sunlight becomes a valuable resource. Helicopter pilots are guided by the sunlight, making the most of every ray of light to carry out their tasks. Pilots, in collaboration with the Geographic Information Systems team and operations leaders, prepare meticulously from the early hours of the morning, firing up engines and commencing conservation activities.

The tireless work of park rangers and biosecurity agents is a fundamental pillar in this endeavor. Their support is constant and varied, encompassing everything from the daily care of endemic wildlife to the preparation of supplies for helicopters. They also play a crucial role in the manual distribution of bait in delicate areas such as lagoons and islets, ensuring that conservation is executed with precision and responsibility.

On the other hand, a group of scientists carries out their work during the nights and early morning hours, utilizing thermal drone flights to identify invasive species. However, this is just a small example of the various tasks and professionals who collaborate on this project. We are fortunate to have the invaluable support of the community, individuals dedicated to logistics, communication, transportation, and many other teams that work in perfect harmony. This coordination and cooperation among different actors resemble a magnificent orchestra. Each member of this ensemble plays an essential role, and together, they produce a beautiful melody, a symphony of hope that resonates in the face of challenges and obstacles. This exemplifies that unity and dedication can indeed achieve wonders in the field of conservation.

As the days go by, exhaustion becomes more tangible, yet what truly stands out is the determination and unwavering commitment that characterize this exceptional team.

Within this team, a genuinely inspiring figure emerges: our leader, Víctor Carrión. Through his guidance, Víctor has become a guiding light that illuminates our path. His tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the project's vision are undeniably extraordinary. In Víctor, we discover a perpetual wellspring of inspiration and the fortitude required to confront every challenge.

A Dream Come True

My commitment to the project has only spanned a few months, but for many of my colleagues, this mission has been the focal point of their lives for the past 12 years. This collective effort underscores the potential that emerges when we unite in pursuit of a shared goal.

The Floreana Project is a joint effort of the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, the Biosecurity Agency, Island Conservation, the Charles Darwin Foundation, and many other institutions. We thank our donors for their unwavering support: Rewild, NFWF, GEF, CAF, Blue Action Fund, Darwin Initiative, Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic, Silverseas, and Splendor.

In Galapagos, we are writing a new story of conservation and restoration, where Floreana flourishes again.