Progress in Floreana's Ecological Restoration: Technology in Service of Conservation

18 Nov 2024
Floreana is the sixth largest island in the Galapagos. Unfortunately, its unique wildlife was decimated by pirates and whalers more than a century ago, and later by introduced animals. Together, we can change this trajectory. We will bring back 12 species of endemic wildlife that disappeared from the island generations ago, like the Floreana Giant Tortoise, four of Darwin's finches, and the Floreana Mockingbird, among others. This is the most ambitious rewilding effort ever in the Galapagos, and the largest rewilding effort on a populated tropical island anywhere in the world.

 

Rewilding Floreana requires removing invasive species. After years of planning, followed by intensive removal of invasive species in 2023, we are almost ready to reintroduce Floreana's lost wildlife, starting with the Floreana Giant Tortoise. The island should be free from invasive species first. 

"Thanks to the use of advanced technology, such as camera traps and drones equipped with thermal video, we have been able to detect the last invasive species hiding in volcanic crevices and in the most remote areas of the island," said Víctor Carrión, Jocotoco's coordinator of the rewilding Floreana project. 

Fortunately, the weather conditions are on our side. While last year's winter was very wet, this year's winter will likely be very dry, perfect for invasive species control. 

Extensive invasive species removal in 2023 has already benefited the 160 people who live on Floreana. Max Freire, a local farmer, expressed his gratitude: "This year, I've seen the benefits of not having invasive species in my corn and cassava crops. Before, I could only harvest between 10% and 20% of what I planted. Now, 100% of my crops are intact, with no damage or bites." This work has reinforced the link between the health of the ecosystem and the economic well-being of the people of Floreana.

This pioneering effort not only lays the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem on Floreana but also sets a precedent for restoring other threatened islands around the world. But the work is far from over.  Join us in this historic mission to restore Floreana. Your contribution today can ensure that future generations witness the return of species that vanished long ago. Every dollar brings us closer to a world where Floreana's ecosystem thrives once again. Donate here!