Biodiversity of the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands have over 500 native species of vascular plants, and more than 30% of them are endemic. The Galapagos’ plants are grouped into three vegetation zones: the coastal zone, the arid zone, and the humid zone. Mangroves are common along the coast, while drought-resistant plants like succulents and cacti dominate the arid zone, which is the most extensive of the three. The humid highland areas aren’t present on most islands; where they are present, they are home to dense forests with Scalesia trees, mosses, liverworts, and epiphytes.
Galapagos tortoises inhabit both the arid and humid zones. Unfortunately, over the past two centuries, the tortoise populations have been decimated, and 4 species have gone extinct. Their ability to survive without food or water for a year (especially helpful in arid conditions) made them perfect for passing ships to bring onboard for food; more recently, invasive rats, pigs and ants have endangered nests, and tortoises have had to compete for food with other introduced species such as goats. Three species of land iguanas also live in the arid zones, while the marine iguana lives on the coast. Recently, their populations have been affected by feral dogs and cats, but their numbers are on the rise. Marine iguanas have also been affected by El Niño events, and Santa Fe marine iguanas have suffered from the effects of a 2001 oil spill.
The Galapagos’ mammals have also faced their fair share of human-related problems. Fur seals were hunted to near extinction, and 3 endemic species of rice rat have become extinct. Various whales were also hunted near the Galapagos throughout the 19th century. Fortunately, whale and fur seal populations have largely recovered.
Introduced species have affected Galapagos birds, as well. Many sea/shorebirds nests’ fall victim to rats, cats, and pigs; potential nesting grounds can be destroyed by other animals like donkeys and goats.
It’s sad to think that most of the problems faced by endemic Galapagos species are human-related. On the bright side, numerous efforts to protect remaining species are proving effective, and should improve over time. The rich biodiversity of the Galapagos deserves preservation and recognition; although it’s disappointing we won’t be able to see all the species we’ve read about, it’s important to understand why. Hopefully, as Ecuador moves forward, sustainable development will take hold and amazing resources like the Galapagos will survive long into the future.
Galapagos tortoises inhabit both the arid and humid zones. Unfortunately, over the past two centuries, the tortoise populations have been decimated, and 4 species have gone extinct. Their ability to survive without food or water for a year (especially helpful in arid conditions) made them perfect for passing ships to bring onboard for food; more recently, invasive rats, pigs and ants have endangered nests, and tortoises have had to compete for food with other introduced species such as goats. Three species of land iguanas also live in the arid zones, while the marine iguana lives on the coast. Recently, their populations have been affected by feral dogs and cats, but their numbers are on the rise. Marine iguanas have also been affected by El Niño events, and Santa Fe marine iguanas have suffered from the effects of a 2001 oil spill.
The Galapagos’ mammals have also faced their fair share of human-related problems. Fur seals were hunted to near extinction, and 3 endemic species of rice rat have become extinct. Various whales were also hunted near the Galapagos throughout the 19th century. Fortunately, whale and fur seal populations have largely recovered.
Introduced species have affected Galapagos birds, as well. Many sea/shorebirds nests’ fall victim to rats, cats, and pigs; potential nesting grounds can be destroyed by other animals like donkeys and goats.
It’s sad to think that most of the problems faced by endemic Galapagos species are human-related. On the bright side, numerous efforts to protect remaining species are proving effective, and should improve over time. The rich biodiversity of the Galapagos deserves preservation and recognition; although it’s disappointing we won’t be able to see all the species we’ve read about, it’s important to understand why. Hopefully, as Ecuador moves forward, sustainable development will take hold and amazing resources like the Galapagos will survive long into the future.