Galapagos Matters Autumn/Winter 2019

GALAPAGOSMATTERS

AUTUMN | WINTER 2019

Invasive species LITTLE VERMILION FLYCATCHER Microplastics

galapagosconservation.org.uk

GALAPAGOSMAT TERS CONTENTS

Cover The little vermilion flycatcher is declining at a rapid rate but efforts are underway to prevent its extinction on Santa Cruz. © Rob Jansen / Galapagos Conservancy

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Wild

Galapagos

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16-18 Research into microplastics

Galapagos

News

Invasive species Disease ecology researcher Liam Fitzpatrick reviews the newly recognised threat of avian malaria in Galapagos while Joshua Lynton-Jenkins looks at the impacts international travel has had on the birds of San Cristobal island due the introduction of alien organisms.

UK News

19 20

This year, Naomi Hart visited Galapagos as an artist in residence with experts from GCT and University of Exeter, looking at the growing problem of plastic pollution. She looks back on the trip and shares some of the beautiful artwork from her sketchbook.

Ecuador was the first country to recognize the Rights of Nature. Norman Wray, Governor of the Galapagos Governing Council, discusses his role in renewing the environmental-social pact and how living in the Archipelago greatly sharpened his understanding of its social and environmental challenges.

L ittle vermilion flycatcher

GCT Ambassador Godfrey Merlen reflects on the rapid decline of the little vermilion flycatcher and the work to prevent the loss of this bird on Santa Cruz island.

When we think of plastic impacting wildlife, we think of large items such as discarded fishing gear. Jen Jones looks at the major risks that microplastics are also posing to species in Galapagos and research happening on the Islands to monitor the impacts.

21-23 Membership, Events and Merchandise

14-15 Project Updates

CONTRIBUTORS

Liam Fitzpatrick is a PhD researcher based at the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London and Queen Mary, University of London.

His research into the disease ecology of avian malaria in the Galapagos is funded by the London NERC DTP.

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Joshua LyntonJenkins is a graduate student in the University of Exeter’s College of Life and Environmental Sciences. Now in his second year of doctoral studies, funded by a Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship, his research focuses on the ecology of blood parasites, their interactions with their hosts and other parasites, and consequent pathology.

GCT Ambassador Godfrey Merlen has lived in Galapagos for over 40 years, starting out as a volunteer at the Charles Darwin Research Station. He is passionate about preventing the arrival of new invasive species in Galapagos and is a member of the Committee for the Fund for Control of Invasive Species in Galapagos.

Jen Jones is GCT’s Project Manager, and as well as having a Masters in Marine Biology, is currently a PhD student at the University of Exeter investigating the impacts of microplastics on the Galapagos marine foodweb.

Naomi Hart is an artist whose work looks at human interaction with the environment, especially issues around journey, elements, water and memory. She has worked with scientists and researchers for many years in remote parts of the planet and is keen to promote art-science collaboration.

Norman Wray is the Governor of the Galapagos Islands, heading up the Governing Council of Galapagos. The Governing Council is vital for ensuring that the Islands are protected for future generations and is the driving force behind the single-use plastics ban that was put into place in 2018.

FROM THE

CHAIR

by Charmian Caines

© GCT

H

aving been on the Board of Trustees for a year now, I am thrilled to become GCT’s new Chair. Since joining, I have been struck by the passion and dedication of both the staff team and Trustees and by the quality of our projects and activities. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this is all combining to have a real impact on the Islands.

When I visited the Islands with my children, I was inspired by the uniqueness of the area, the incredible diversity as well as its scientific importance. I believe it is critical that we come together, from all walks of life, to help preserve such examples of the natural world.

One of GCT’s main objectives is to protect the unique wildlife of Galapagos, including many endangered species of birds. Birds in the Archipelago face a number of threats, including disease. On pages 8-11, Liam Fitzpatrick and Josh Lynton-Jenkins explore how avian malaria, introduced by a non-native mosquito, and blood parasites could be impacting the bird populations of Galapagos.

GCT Ambassador, Godfrey Merlen, is looking at a specific bird in this issue of Galapagos Matters – the little vermilion flycatcher (p. 13). Once common on their home islands, these birds are now extinct on Floreana, and the population on Santa Cruz is hanging on precariously. Our autumn appeal will be raising funds to support research into how best to protect

these and other endangered bird species on the Islands (p. 22).

Another key area for GCT is to support research into the impact of plastic pollution on the vulnerable marine species found around the Islands. GCT’s Projects Manager Jen Jones is investigating the impacts of this threat to determine how best to protect wildlife from this emerging peril (p. 16-18).

Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez will be joining us at this year’s Galapagos Day on Wednesday 30 October (p. 23) to talk more about the research that our partners at the Galapagos Science Center are carrying out to determine the risk of plastic pollution to the Islands’ marine life. The evening will focus on the threats to the Archipelago’s endangered birds and reptiles and it will be hosted by renowned wildlife expert and award-winning writer Mark Carwardine. There are still tickets available so I hope to see you there!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated to this year’s spring appeal to raise money for the endangered sharks

of Galapagos. We raised over £13,000, which will allow us to work towards protecting them throughout their lifetimes, including on their migrations outside of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

I am very pleased to have joined a charity whose supporters have so much enthusiasm for conserving one of the most unique places on Earth.

My desire is to continue and build upon the great work that GCT has undertaken over the last 24 years.

I would like to thank Dr Mark Collins for his part in this, having been on the Board for 12 years, six of which as Chair.

I firmly believe that with your help, and the skills and efforts of the GCT team, we can continue to play a highly valuable role in Galapagos.

Thank you for your ongoing support and I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Galapagos Matters.

Charmian Caines

Galapagos Matters is a copyright biannual publication produced for members of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

The information in this issue was ISSN 2050-6074 Galapagos Designer: The Graphic Design House obtained from various sources, all Matters is printed on paper Printer: Bishops Printers of which have extensive knowledge made from well managed forests Charles Darwin Suite, of Galapagos, but neither GCT nor and controlled sources.

28 Portland Place, London W1B 1LY the contributors are responsible Editor: Henry Nicholls 020 7399 7440 for the accuracy of the contents or Chief Executive: Sharon Johnson gct@gct.org the opinions expressed herein.

Communications and Marketing www.galapagosconservation.org.uk Manager: Verity Ramsay

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WILD GALAPAGOS Marek Jackowski captured this beautiful photo of a flightless cormorant on Fernandina island and was very impressed by the striking azure colour of its eye. The flightless cormorant is an endemic species to Galapagos and is not only the heaviest cormorant, but out of 29 species, is the only one that cannot fly, confining them to the lava shoreline and beaches of Isabela and Fernandina.

Our 2020 calendar is now available to pre-order, containing other awe-inspiring images from our 2019 Galapagos photography competition. You can find out more on page 23. Our 2020 photography competition will be open from late October so don’t forget to enter your Galapagos images!

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© Marek Jackowski

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CELEBRATING NEWS 60 YEARS GALAPAGOS

Darwin´s corner at the Exhibition Hall at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos. © Juan Manuel García/Charles Darwin Foundation

60

years ago, in 1959, the Galapagos Islands were designated a National Park by Ecuador to mark the first centenary of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Recognising the high ecological value of the Archipelago, all land outside of areas owned by existing colonists was designated as the Galapagos National Park (GNP). This meant that the GNP protected 97% of the land area of the Islands, and still does today. As well as protecting the Islands themselves, the designation banned the capture of animals in Galapagos, such as the giant tortoises, and made port captains the authority for implementing the new rules.

In the same year, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was established and, over the last six decades, it has worked with the Galapagos National Park Directorate and other Ecuadorian

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institutions to aid their decision-making and ensure that the Islands’ unique environment and biodiversity are protected. The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) was not set up for another few years, but its first activities covered education, invasive species (such as removing feral goats) and protecting endangered species. Despite the challenges facing the GNP over the last 60 years, this partnership has helped Galapagos to maintain 95% of its original biodiversity.

To celebrate 60 years, CDF and the GNP held an event in February and opened a new interpretative space, ‘Darwin’s Corner’ at the CDRS. In April, they made a sculpture from coastal plastic pollution with the help of local students and this is now on display. There will also be a Galapagos film launched in November.

A sculpture made from coastal plastic pollution with the help of local students is now on display at the Charles Darwin Foundation. © Juan Manuel García/Charles Darwin Foundation

NEW HAMMERHEAD BREEDING GROUND FOUND

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espite being famous for its large aggregations of scalloped hammerhead sharks, it was not until 2017 that the first ever hammerhead nursery was found in Galapagos. Two years later, the Galapagos National Park has found a second area along the coast of Santa Cruz whilst on a routine monitoring expedition of juvenile sharks and turtles.

The team found around 20 hammerheads in the new area including both babies and juveniles, and tagged a few to learn more about how long they stay in their nursery grounds and where they go once they leave. This important information will inform management strategies and help to protect these endangered sharks.

THREATS TO FINCHES

© Simon Pierce

© Professor W.G. Hale

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new threat from the invasive fly Philornis downsi has been uncovered by new research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The larvae feed on blood and tissue of finch nestlings and, in those nestlings that survive, this often results in enlarged nostrils. In tree finches, including the critically endangered medium tree finch, the scientists found that this altered the song of the males making it harder for them to find mates from within their own species. In medium tree finches, the song became indistinguishable from other tree finches, which could also result in hybridisation, and could have devastating effects on the population.

PLASTIC FREE SCHOOLS

T © Dan Wright

he Governing Council of Galapagos recently announced that schools must phase out single-use plastics completely, encouraging more urgency around the need for schools to adopt sustainable alternatives. Building on their Galapagos-wide single-use plastic ban, this campaign will target all single-use plastic items in schools, including those used for food such as plastic cutlery, glasses and containers.

GCT is supporting Conservation International Ecuador and the Galapagos National Park in their efforts to help five schools successfully transition to a single-use plastic free environment, with the aim of scaling up to all 24 schools in Galapagos in the near future. This includes providing alternatives to the poor quality plastic tubs (known locally as ‘tarinas’) that are currently used for school lunches. Tarinas are one of the most common types of litter found on local Galapagos beaches. Thanks to this new legislation and quick action from Conservation International, we will be able to rapidly phase out the use of tarinas at these schools.

BLUE SHARKS TAGGED

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lue sharks have been tagged for the first time ever in the Galapagos Islands. In spring 2019, GCT partner Dr Alex Hearn, from the Galapagos Science Center, was part of the team that tagged one female and four males off the coasts of Isabela and Floreana. They are usually pelagic species, which are found in the open sea, and little is known about their movements. Although not currently under threat from extinction, at least two of the sharks moved hundreds of kilometres from Galapagos towards international waters and the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, where they are vulnerable to fishing. © Galapagos National Park

© Paola Díaz Freire

NEW VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE

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ew virtual reality glasses letting the wearer experience a “Galapagos Adventure” were available at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos during July and August, thanks to an initiative led by The British Embassy in Quito and Atlantic Productions.

When launched, Ambassador Katherine Ward LVO of the British Embassy in Quito said, “We are going to bring the Galapagos children a special edition in virtual reality.

They will be able to see Galapagos as if they were traveling in a helicopter and also in a submarine.”

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REDUCING THE THREAT OF AVIAN MALARIA

by Liam Fitzpatrick

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Š Liam Fitzpatrick

hen you think of the wildlife that lives in the Galapagos Islands, what do you think of first? Finches? Penguins?

Mockingbirds? Mosquitoes?

Culex quinquefasciatus. First discovered in Galapagos in 1985, this invasive mosquito is known to be a highly competent vector of avian malaria in other locations around the world.

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Collecting Culex quinquefasciatus larvae from rainwater wallows of the giant tortoises.

Yes, that does say mosquitoes. Now, most people who are lucky enough to visit the Galapagos Islands don’t go there for the mosquitoes but understanding these blood-sucking insects is essential to help combat a newly recognised threat to those famous finches, penguins and mockingbirds avian malaria.

Avian malaria is a disease in birds that is caused by a similar group of parasites to those that cause malaria in humans, and like in humans, these parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes. Whilst these avian Plasmodium parasites cannot impact human health, they can be devastating to bird communities.

This is especially the case for species that have evolved without being infected by the parasite, such as those that are endemic to oceanic archipelagos. At least nine species of endemic birds went extinct in Hawaii in the early 20th century after avian Plasmodium parasites and mosquitoes that transmit them were accidentally introduced to the Islands.

Almost 100 years after the initial outbreak, avian malaria continues to impact and limit the

Hawaiian bird community to the present day.

It is for this reason that conservationists around the world were alarmed by the discovery of the avian Plasmodium parasite in Galapagos in 2003. Previous studies had failed to find the parasite in endemic birds, but a study by Iris Levin and colleagues found that 5% of the Galapagos penguins tested positive for infection with the parasite.

Further work across the Islands subsequently identified avian Plasmodium infection in the small ground finch, the medium ground finch and the yellow warbler. Whilst there are no signs that the infection is yet causing the disease and population declines as seen in Hawaii almost a century before, these findings are nonetheless concerning.

Needing to understand more about the current situation of avian Plasmodium transmission in Galapagos, and to take measures to prevent a catastrophic outbreak similar to Hawaii, our attention turned to the mosquitoes. In Galapagos, there are two mosquito species that are known to feed on birds - a native species, Aedes

© Liam Fitzpatrick

5% of the Galapagos penguins tested positive for infection with the avian Plasmodium parasite.

© Liam Fitzpatrick

© Liam Fitzpatrick

Over the course of just one night we caught over 650 individual mosquitoes in a single trap

© Liam Fitzpatrick

Two types of mosquito traps at all the sites across the islands, from the green and luscious highlands to the arid and dry lowlands, to ensure results are comparable.

taeniorhynchus, that has been in the islands for over 200,000 years, and an invasive species, Culex quinquefasciatus, that was accidentally introduced by humans in 1985 and has subsequently spread across the Archipelago. In another aspect that is eerily reminiscent of the situation in Hawaii, Culex quinquefasciatus was also accidentally introduced to Hawaii in 1826 and is the mosquito species responsible for transmitting most of the avian malaria there.

So, what can be done about this? Are the Galapagos birds doomed to extinction because of this new threat, or is there still hope for these iconic species?

Absolutely there is hope. By identifying this potential threat, we can begin to understand just how much of a risk avian malaria could pose to Galapagos birds and act accordingly.

Groups of conservationists from around the world, along with staff from the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency, the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation, are working together on a number of projects to understand and combat the threat of avian malaria in the Islands.

One of these projects forms the research for my PhD thesis. For this project, we are focusing on the two bird-biting mosquito species in the Islands. In one study, we are trying to map the distributions of the native and introduced mosquitoes and identify how the different environments across the Islands impact their populations.

This information is key to helping us understand those bird species at highest risk of being infected with Plasmodium, as areas with high numbers of potential vectors are more likely to have higher rates of parasite transmission. We do this by setting mosquito traps at locations across Santa Cruz and Isabela, and counting the numbers of each species that we catch each night.

So far, our record is over 650 individual mosquitoes caught in a single trap over the course of one night! We return to these same sites at various times of year allowing us to observe changes to the mosquito populations over time and space and to see how they are impacted by different weather patterns and seasons.

We also use several types of DNA testing on the mosquitoes, screening them for the avian malaria parasite and identifying the source of blood in any recently fed mosquitoes. Using molecular techniques provides us with key information to increase our understanding of which host species the mosquitoes prefer to feed on, how these preferences may change across different habitats and what the current state of avian Plasmodium infection is in the wild.

Our project is still ongoing and will continue for another year. By working so closely with key government agencies, our results are quickly reported back to the policymakers in Galapagos. Once we have enough information, conservation action plans can be developed to protect the incredible birds of the Enchanted Isles against the threat of avian malaria and other vectorborne diseases. The Galapagos Islands are home to a wonderful range of species found nowhere else in the world – and we are part of a large community working hard to maintain and conserve that biodiversity.

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© Josh Lynton-Jenkins

RESEARCHING AVIAN BLOOD PARASITES

by Josh Lynton-Jenkins

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n San Cristobal’s northwestern tip is a tranquil cove nestled below the towering hillside, Cerro Tijeretas.

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A view from one of the study sites

unique stability of species, adapted over millennia through their interactions.

Sudden introductions of alien organisms, transported as stowaways on planes and boats, can disrupt this stability and have dire consequences for the unique island inhabitants. Over the past 30 years the rate of species introductions has greatly increased. Invasive parasites are a particularly serious threat and the diseases they cause can quickly spread through previously unexposed populations. For birds, avian malaria stands out as an important concern.

As in humans, this disease is caused by a protist parasite spread by mosquitoes. Where it’s been introduced, such as in Hawaii, it’s contributed to rapid population declines and the extinction of tens of unique honeycreeper species. By contrast, Galapagos has clung onto its diversity of endemics, with no bird species yet recorded as lost. But this has been largely due to serendipity and to avoid a similar fate befalling the birds of Galapagos it’s important that we get to grips with the threats they now face, and to monitor similar parasite introductions.

Researching these parasites in Galapagos is an ongoing priority. For the past two years we’ve been contributing to this effort by studying the birds of San Cristobal. These days the island is an important gateway to the Archipelago, with a central airport acting as a conduit to the continental mainland.

It also hosts an introduced population of the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus, a key species capable of spreading malarial blood parasites. These are two significant risk factors when it comes to

the introduction and spread of new diseases.

Despite this, and quite by chance, San Cristobal is the least surveyed of the major islands for blood parasites and disease – something we hope to remedy. By catching small land birds at a variety of locations across the island we can survey for parasite presence in multiple species and across various habitats. All Galapagos’ bird populations are considered at risk, from the iconic Darwin’s finch species to the vibrant yellow warblers.

From small blood samples we use microscopy and modern molecular detection methods to identify infections. We can also classify the species of blood parasite and whether it is successfully developing, information that helps distinguish newly introduced parasites and infection hotspots. With this added insight and ongoing research informing future monitoring and conservation priorities, we can remain hopeful; there’s still time to avoid irreversible loss in the natural wonder of Galapagos. © Josh Lynton-Jenkins

In the evenings, magnificent and great frigatebirds soar in graceful circles overhead, riding the thermals in search of roosts.

Boisterous clatter can be heard from the smaller songbirds; mockingbirds, finches and flycatchers cram in a final forage as the light fades. At this sheltered inlet, approximately 184 years ago, a young naturalist by the name of Charles Darwin took his first steps upon Galapagos. On returning to HMS Beagle after his first foray onshore, Darwin jotted in his diary, “The birds are strangers to man and think him as innocent as their countrymen the huge tortoises…”. This extraordinary fact about the nature of Galapagos holds true even today. Animals there have evolved in relative isolation, allowing a degree of naiveté to all things foreign. However, year on year, travel to the islands booms. This has been a great success story for nature tourism in Ecuador, but for the otherwise isolated species which call these Islands home, the increased integration of Galapagos in our global travel networks, also brings new threats.

Islands, like those in the Galapagos Archipelago, have often evolved a

Sudden introductions of alien organisms can have dire consequences for the unique island inhabitants

Female yellow warbler. All Galapagos bird populations are considered at risk.

Invasive species in Galapagos There are 1579 alien species in Galapagos

An ALIEN species has been introduced outside of its natural distribution.

If this species becomes problematic it becomes an INVASIVE ALIEN.

Marine invertebrates

21

Marine plants

Terrestrial insects

46%

Unknown

Unintentional: contaminant

2%

27

new alien species introduced per year for past

42%

Unintentional: stowaway

107

flights a week

Vertebrates

4310

25K

tourists arriving in Galapagos

everyday

resident population

40 years

10%

Land tourism up to

76%

Terrestrial plants

2 545 63 77 821 50

How were they introduced? Continued threat...

Intentionally introduced (mostly plants)

Terrestrial invertebrates

Pathogens

of invasive species have been introduced since 1970

46%

= less regulated movement than live-aboard boats

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cargo ships per month between Guayaquil and Galapagos

19 fold increase in tourism in past 3 decades

Taken from: Toral-Granda MV, Causton CE, Jäger H, Trueman M, Izurieta JC, Araujo E, et al. (2017) Alien species pathways to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. PLos ONE 12(9): e0184379. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184379

Designed by Beth Byrne

KEY INVASIVE SPECIES IN GALAPAGOS AND PROJECTS TO REDUCE THEM

Philornis downsi

Rubus niveus

Small mammals

An invasive parasitic fly that is present on 14 islands, causing morbidity and mortality in at least 12 species of birds - including the critically endangered mangrove finch. The flies lay their eggs in the nasal cavities of the nestlings to feed on blood and tissue fluid. This causes multiple wounds and infections, eventually killing the nestlings.

The hill raspberry or 'mora' was introduced in 1970 for agriculture. The seeds are dispersed by rats and birds that feed on the fruit. It is now widespread across the Archipelago. In some places, dense spiny thickets grow up to 3m turning agricultural areas into wasteland and preventing the unique native forest, dominated by the endemic daisy tree, Scalesia, from regenerating.

In the 1800s early settlers brought domesticated goats and pigs to Galapagos. Pigs are omnivores and thus are threats to both animals and plants.

They eat the eggs of giant tortoises and birds, and compete for and demolish the same food plants that native animals rely on. The introduction of cats and rats onto the island of Floreana has threatened endemic species.

SAVING THE MANGROVE FINCH Around 100 individuals left.

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The most endangered bird in Galapagos.

'Headstarting' took place between 2014 and 2017, where chicks are raised in captivity and released back into the mangroves when ready to fledge.

In 2018 the nests were carefully injected with a solution, reducing the number of larvae in the nests and increasing survival of the chicks.

RESTORING FLOREANA

PROTECTING LITTLE VERMILION FLYCATCHERS The little vermilion flycatcher population on Santa Cruz island is close to extinction.

Decreasing habitat quality due to mora means that protein and fat rich invertebrates on the ground cannot be reached. This leads to nest abandonment by the females.

A new restoration project aims to prevent the extinction of these beautiful birds, which includes restoring six hectares of Scalesia forest, prime habitat for the little vermilion flycatcher.

55 species on Floreana are currently listed on the IUCN Red List.

CR

Two are critically endangered.

12 species are also locally extinct, including the Floreana Floreana mockingbird and Galapagos racer.

The project aims to undertake one of the largest, and most complex, eradication projects ever conducted on an inhabited tropical island, with the goal to reintroduce locally extinct species.

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UK

NEWS

BRITISH EMBASSY QUITO SUPPORTS GCT MICROPLASTICS PROJECT

ritish Ambassador Katherine Ward LVO visited the Galapagos Islands in July, meeting with the Galapagos Science Center to learn more about their microplastics programme and the research done to protect this world heritage site.

This year, British Embassy Quito will fund a microplastics programme implemented by researchers at the Galapagos Science Center in partnership with Galapagos Conservation Trust. The main objective of this project is to gather information on microplastics from key sites on the Islands and share the results with decision-makers to improve policy interventions and to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution at local and national levels. Ambassador Ward had the opportunity to meet with the team of researchers and accompanied volunteers to a beach on San Cristobal to participate in a microplastics sift.

Ambassador Katherine Ward LVO commented, “I was saddened to see the amount of micro-plastics on the

wonderful natural heritage site for decades.

The Ecuadorean government is also aligned in this fight and has pledged to eliminate single-use plastics by next year.

You can see more about the risks of plastics to Galapagos wildlife and GCT’s work to reduce this on page 16. © British Embassy Quito

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beach we visited in San Cristobal, but it was wonderful to meet young local volunteers working to change that. Through supporting this project the UK hopes to help inspire a new generation of young people to protect and care actively for the environment and their home in Galapagos.

Environmental conservation is a key pillar of UK cooperation with Ecuador. It is a pleasure to work in partnership with GCT to that end.”

Plastic pollution represents one of the biggest global challenges relating to climate change. Plastic is cheap and very versatile; however, it is estimated that 50% of plastic is used just once and thrown away. Data from the FCO estimates that over 12 million tonnes of plastics are disposed in the oceans, harming wildlife and the marine environment. Predictions show that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish.

The UK is a world leader in the fight to tackle plastic pollution. Within government operations and around the world, the UK is supporting initiatives that can drive a real step change. The links between the UK and Galapagos are very strong, not only because Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution through natural selection from his work on the Islands, but also because the UK has committed funding and technical cooperation for the conservation of this

British Ambassador Katherine Ward LVO took part in a microplastics survey at Puerto Chino beach on San Cristobal

DR MARK COLLINS

OBE FOR PROFESSOR TAMARA GALLOWAY

arlier this year Dr Mark Collins stepped down as Chair of GCT after 12 years with the organisation. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Mark and thank him for his valued contribution to GCT. During his time with the organisation, Mark served as a Trustee, before being appointed Chair. During Mark’s time at GCT, the charity has been able to support, promote and deliver a huge variety of projects across Galapagos within the areas of science, conservation and sustainability. We wish Mark all the very best in his future endeavours.

e were delighted to hear that Professor Tamara Galloway has been appointed an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this summer. The scientist, who is part of the Plastic Free Galapagos Research Network (p. 16) along with GCT, has done extensive research into how plastics and the chemicals they contain can permeate the food chain of all creatures, including humans. Congratulations Tamara!

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s part of our exciting Tortoise Champions programme, we asked participating schools to enter our first annual Tortoise Champions school competition. Congratulations to Grace in Year 3 at All Saints who won first prize in the Tortoise Diary competition in which students wrote diary entries about a day in the life of a Galapagos giant tortoise. Congratulations to Lily & Kiki in Year 4 at St. Peters Alton who won the Tortoise Poster competition with their very informative and colourful entry about what they’ve learned so far about giant tortoises.

Well done to Year 3 at All Saints who won best class effort and were lucky enough to win a video call from tortoise scientist, Dr Stephen Blake.

Is your classroom full of budding young scientists?

Visit Discovering Galapagos for educational resources and activities: www.discoveringgalapagos.org.uk.

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© GCT

TORTOISE CHAMPIONS WINNERS

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© Gammon Koval

LITTLE VERMILION FLYCATCHER A UNIQUE ELEMENT IN THE BIODIVERSITY OF GALAPAGOS

by Godfrey Merlen

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hrough the mists of the Galapagos highlands, a small bird alights on the lichen-covered tree branch.

A farmer stops his work, eyeing the bird with a quiet gaze, and a light smile comes to his face. His day is made, for the brilliant vermilion and black bird is inspiring, giving his mind a flight into a different world, far from, and yet linked to, the rain drops that fall from his hat.

In a moment the branch has resumed its greenness and the droplets trickle down the flowers and stems of endemic bromeliads.

Yet through the distant greyness of the sky, the song of this tiny bird is quite clear as it climbs skyward and then tumbles downward towards earth. It alights on the same branch it departed from, a centre of its territory, and where the female bird warms the smallcupped nest.

The farmer, during his tough work, remembers and loves that bird and the warmth of the memory satisfies his soul.

It is an endemic bird. It no longer flies over the farmland of San Cristobal island, or for that matter, over the farms of Floreana. Its status on Santa Cruz island is at high risk, being found uniquely in a remote scrub and tree forest where perhaps 30 pairs survive.

We cannot state with any clarity the reason for the rapid decline of these endemic species on human inhabited islands, perhaps it is the introduction of Philornis, the parasitic fly that lays its eggs in the nests of small birds. Perhaps it is the over use of chemicals on the farms where insects, the food of

little vermilion flycatchers, are reduced.

The Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station are deeply concerned with these losses and are making efforts to prevent the loss of this bird on Santa Cruz island. Six parcels of land have been cleared of invasive plant species, in an effort to allow native plants to sprout, and be home to the populations of insects that live on them, which are the most vital food for little vermilion flycatchers. This is a three-year programme and may be the key to maintaining the remaining breeding population of this bird and eventually its expansion. We must give these creatures the best chance we can before they too disappear forever.

The point at heart is clear. It is not just the maintenance of an endemic species, a part of the unique biodiversity of Galapagos. It is a matter of the heart, the inspiration of life to highland farmers, to all those who take the time to visit the mists pervading the forest of Scalesia daisy trees, a magical place, very far from the madding world, yet saving our minds and souls.

We must give these creatures the best chance we can before they too disappear forever.

Support our appeal to protect the land birds of Galapagos including the little vermilion flycatcher. Find out more on page 22.

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PROJECT

UPDATES

TORTOISE HEALTH T

he Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Programme (GTMEP) has collected many years of data demonstrating the annual migration pathways of Galapagos giant tortoises between the dry lowlands and more humid highlands. Seasonal changes in food availability and optimal conditions for nesting, both determined by local and global weather and climate patterns, are two key drivers of the tortoise migration. genes (ARGs) were found in all of the faecal samples collected.

The significance of this finding is not fully understood; however, as is true across the planet the presence of ARGs in free-living wild animals is a concern for public health. Our finding of ARGs in free-living tortoises in the Galapagos may serve as indicators of environmental health and the risk of increased antibiotic resistance in humans, domestic animals and wildlife alike.

In 2018, Ainoa and other GTMEP team members including fellow veterinarian and GTMEP health lead Dr. Sharon Deem, undertook a field trip to Alcedo volcano where they collected and processed samples from 70 tortoises. Moreover, during a 12-month period from June 2018 to June 2019, a further 200 tortoises were sampled on Santa Cruz. Fieldwork such as this is particularly challenging due to the logistics of reaching the sites used by tortoises and the heavy rains and severe heat. Nevertheless, the team has successfully collected more than 800 samples, which will be analysed at both the Charles Darwin Research Station and a specialised lab in Madrid, Spain. Many hours have been spent in the lab and analysis is now well underway with over 50% of samples analysed. Later this year, the team will conduct two more field expeditions to the eastern area of Santa Cruz to sample eastern Santa Cruz tortoises (C. donfaustoi).

Studies such as these being conducted by the GTMEP staff will provide a clearer picture of how human activities are impacting tortoise health, which may have implications for land-use (and antibiotic use) management by decision makers on Galapagos in their efforts to protect tortoise migration routes and habitats.

Results will also inform the design of long-term tortoise health surveillance plans. Ultimately, these studies will provide vital information to support conservation of giant tortoises and maintaining wider ecosystem health.

This programme is a multi-institutional collaboration among the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Max Planck Institute of Ornithology, the Galapagos National Park, Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine, the Houston Zoo, and Galapagos Conservation Trust.

Giant tortoise in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

Ainoa working with local students at CDF laboratory. She is explaining how to perform a blood smear to study the health of the tortoises.

© Daniel Tompkins

© Juan García

GTMEP researchers are concerned that in the face of climate change, tortoises will not be able to adjust the timing of their migration since their latest research shows that these long-lived reptiles may base their decisions to migrate on past average conditions – not current conditions. As climates become less predictable, tortoises may be prone to mistiming their migrations in the future, which could lead to poor habitat selection and undermine the benefits of migrating.

With uncertainty around future environmental conditions, preservation of quality habitats and migration routes is even more critical for maintaining giant tortoise populations, but human population growth and the presence of introduced species make this challenging. Tortoises are encountering barriers to their ancient migration pathways, such as fences, roads and other infrastructure and land use changes as the economy of Galapagos expands. A key concern is that tortoise-human interactions may become increasingly negative for both, including the risk of exposure of tortoises to antibiotic-resistant bacteria from intensified farming activities.

Through a comparative study, PhD student and veterinarian Ainoa Nieto Claudín, under the umbrella of the GTMEP, is aiming to improve our understanding of the health of tortoise species across a gradient of human-modified landscapes, including investigating the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the gut of giant tortoises. The study includes tortoises on Alcedo volcano (Chelonoidis vandenburghi) on Isabela island that rarely come in to contact with humans, and the western Santa Cruz species (C. porteri) whose natural migration pathways overlap human-modified lands.

The GTMEP team collect a range of biological samples (e.g. blood, faeces, swabs) and record tortoise sex, weight and physical condition. Results from preliminary work have shown that western Santa Cruz tortoises are carrying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria throughout the environment – a variety of antimicrobial-resistant

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CELEBRATING LOCAL ‘SHARK HEROES’

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© Adrian Vasquez

n April 2019, our partners at the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) launched a three-month Shark Heroes campaign, based around a competition that would encourage more community members to engage with, and become advocates for, shark conservation.

Open to all ages, community members had four exciting ways to take part and earn points to be in with a chance of winning one of 11 spots in the Shark Heroes ‘squad’. The first option was to use the Shark Count app to log shark species seen on dives, allowing users to become ‘citizen scientists’ by helping to improve scientific understanding of the Galapagos marine ecosystem – data that is shared with the Galapagos National Park.

Here some of the winners are pictured with the GSC’s Ashleigh Klingman and Leidy Apolo, and USFQ shark scientist Dr. Alex Hearn.

Of course, not everyone has access to, or wants to, scuba dive. Other ways locals could earn points was by joining in with monthly Connecting with Nature family events, a joint initiative between GCT and GSC. The events focus on marine conservation and by attending the weekly science talks at the GSC, and by communicating shark conservation messages to their peers through their personal social media posts, points could be earned. Plans to have a snorkelling version of the Shark Count app are also underway so more people can get involved in the citizen science data collection in future years.

The 11 highest-scoring Shark Heroes were announced at the GSC’s 4th Annual Research Symposium in June, where they were presented with a certificate, badge and shark research team t-shirt. The GSC did a brilliant job running a successful campaign and we are delighted with The Shark Count app the engagement and enthusiasm from locals for allows users to become shark conservation. ‘citizen scientists’ and Shark sightings in Galapagos can be uploaded log shark species seen to the Shark Count app at any time of year, and on dives. we are currently collaborating with Galapagos SharkSky (and potentially other dive boat operators) to support data collection on the app directly after dives. If you are visiting the Islands soon and would like the chance to be a citizen scientist, check out sharkcount.org for more information.

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAN IN GALAPAGOS SCHOOLS E

Going forward, we plan to pilot four more sustainable alterative fairs in schools across the populated islands, eventually bringing the reusable tableware to all 24 schools in Galapagos. The ‘Iguana Cups’ are produced by our local partner Orcatec, who are currently running a successful community business-linked campaign against single-use plastics. An additional benefit of providing schools with Iguana Cups is the potential to reinforce the environmental messaging that students may have picked up on from the campaign signs in local businesses.

With a quick and proactive response to this new legislation, this project can enable a smooth phase out of single-use plastics in schools while supporting a significant reduction in local sources of plastic pollution. © Parque Nacional Galápagos

arlier this year the Governing Council of Galapagos passed legislation (Ministerial Agreement No. 97) that requires schools in Galapagos to stop using single-use plastics, established with the intention to promote an eco-friendly culture and strengthening environmental awareness in the community.

Whilst this is a fantastic move in the right direction for tackling local sources of plastic pollution, it also presents a challenge for schools to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, such as the disposable plastic tubs (known locally as ‘tarinas’) used widely for school lunches. Since this legislation was passed, we have supported Conservation International (CI) and the Galapagos National Park (GNP) in delivering events where school directors can sign and formalise their commitment to eliminating single-use plastics. The first of these events took place in May on Santa Cruz and was attended by the Director of the GNP, Jorge Carrión, followed by one on San Cristobal and Isabela respectively in June.

Moreover, along with the first signing event, CI was able to pilot a sustainable alternatives fair for San Francisco school on Santa Cruz. With our support, the school was provided with 100 reusable cups and 100 reusable lunch dishes to help kick-start their transition from single-use plastics.

Students from the school were taught a new song with environmentally friendly messaging “Las 4R”, and met with a sea turtle mascot that was emblematic of a Galapagos species threatened by plastics.

The intention behind these activities was to help the children internalise what a privilege it is to live on the Islands, and that everyone must do their part to care for, protect and conserve Galapagos into the future.

Jorge Carrión, Director of the Galapagos National Park, joins San Francisco school on Santa Cruz as they are provided with 100 reusable cups and 100 reusable lunch dishes to help kick-start their transition from single-use plastics

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INVESTIGATING THE RISKS OF PLASTICS TO GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE

by Jen Jones

“

So, do you think we will see any wildlife-plastic interactions whilst we are filming?” asked one of the two-person news crew that accompanied our Galapagos plastics field survey in May 2018. “Very unlikely…” we replied – we would certainly find plastic pollution on the beaches that they could film, but witnessing direct interactions between wildlife and plastic litter is very rare.

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We were on San Cristobal island in the south-east of the Galapagos Archipelago.

Evidence suggests that this island has some of the highest plastic pollution accumulations, partly due to the influence of the ocean currents bringing plastic litter from the South American continent and from maritime industries operating outside the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Our survey team was made up of researchers from the University of Exeter (UK), the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador) and a Galapagos National Park ranger, all part of the Plastic Pollution Free Galapagos Network. We were there to address several key questions to understand more about the ‘plastic pollution profile’ of the Galapagos Marine Reserve – how much is here, what are the most common types, and most importantly for reducing the threat, where is it coming from?

“That sea lion is playing with a plastic bottle!” As if on cue, almost as soon as we arrived at the survey beach, a pair of sea lions were playing in the shallows. They were indeed chewing on a plastic bottle, throwing it and catching it again, like a pair of puppies playing with a tennis ball. We couldn’t believe it – but, as always, Galapagos loves to surprise.

So the news team got the shot that they wanted – a wildlife-plastic interaction live on camera. But what impact is this novel pollutant really having on the marine species in Galapagos? It is certain that plastics are changing the marine habitats of oceanic islands all around the world. But how worried should we be about it given the multitude of other threats such as invasive species and climate change? Working together with researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) and the Charles

© Andy Donnelly

The problem doesn’t stop with fishing gear and bags – microplastics are formed when larger plastics break down

© GCT

Jen Jones is GCT’s project manager and a PhD student at the University of Exeter investigating the impacts of microplastics on the Galapagos marine foodweb. © Adam Porter

A Galapagos sea lion plays with a plastic container.

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THE RISKS OF PLASTICS © GCT

372 bottle caps collected from just 50m of beach at Punta Pitt, San Cristobal.

Darwin Foundation our project aims to investigate these risks.

There are several to consider. Larger plastic items such as discarded fishing gear (known as ghost gear) pose an entanglement risk to animals such as sea turtles, sharks and marine mammals.

Smaller items like cable ties and plastic packaging also pose a risk, particularly for animals such as sea lions that are inquisitive and playful. Items like plastic bags and films may be confused for prey and can cause blockage of the digestive tract as demonstrated in autopsies of whales and turtles.

But the problem doesn’t stop with fishing gear and bags. Microplastics are formed when larger plastics break down and fragment as well as being used in the plastics production process and in beauty products. The major risk here is that these plastic particles are in the same size range as other food sources for filter feeders such as oysters and barnacles or small fish and may be ingested. In addition to possible effects on the individual, there is a risk of bioaccumulation as the plastic is passed up the food chain, perhaps even to humans.

But we don’t yet know how much harm this is likely to cause. Determining the biological impacts of plastic pollution is made even more complex by the fact that there are so many different types that behave differently – both chemically and physically.

These properties may make some plastics more toxic than others, affecting what other pollutants may bind to the particles.

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Plastics also present a novel vehicle for rafting species such as algae and barnacles that may be an invasive species risk, not to mention microbes that may pose a risk of disease.

A Plastics Risk Map for San Cristobal island

Using San Cristobal island as a case study site, we are investigating the plastic pollution profile across a variety of different important habitats. We are measuring microplastic particles floating at the ocean’s surface and collecting seabed sediment samples to look at microplastics that have sunk through the water column. We are also investigating the beach environment and have developed a methodology where the top 5cm of sand is sieved over several quadrats on each survey beach.

As part of GCT’s Connecting with Nature programme, we aim to connect local young people with their natural environment whilst providing valuable citizen science opportunities. Working with the Galapagos Science Center and local tour operator Galapagos Sharksky Travel & Conservation, we have started a monthly survey at one of our key study sites, Punta Pitt in the north of the island. Each month, a group of local students born on San Cristobal undertake the beach survey, generating a unique time series of microplastics data for this important habitat that is home to the rarest sub-species of marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus godzilla (yes, its real Latin name!) among other vulnerable species.

Microplastics from one 50cm2 beach quadrat.

What’s next?

This information from the environmental surveys will be combined with ecological information to produce a risk map for San Cristobal island. This will support the Galapagos National Park Directorate to centre conservation efforts in high-risk areas.

This can then be applied to other islands.

Over the coming months, we are also planning to focus on at-risk vertebrate species such as marine iguanas, waved albatross, green sea turtles and the Galapagos sea lion.

How often are these species encountering plastics? Is there any evidence of plastics getting into the marine food web? How can we work together to reduce the plastics risk to Galapagos wildlife?

This work has been made possible thanks to GCT members, The Woodspring Trust, the Royal Geographical Society, Galapagos SharkSky Travel & Conservation and the British Embassy Quito. If you are interested in finding out more about our study or sponsoring our Playas Sin Plasticos project with local students, please contact jen@gct.org.

NOTHING QUITE PREPARES YOU FOR GALAPAGOS N

othing quite prepares you for Galapagos. You can read any number of books, look at countless photos of strange and beautiful creatures and gen up on the theory of evolution, but until you encounter your first marine iguana, slipping effortlessly from the white sand into the indigo sea, you never truly believe Galapagos can be real.

by Naomi Hart

© Naomi Hart

This year, I was lucky enough to visit as an artist in residence with experts from GCT and Exeter Marine at the University of Exeter who are looking at the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. As an artist whose work looks at human interaction with the environment, I also wanted to try to help the cause.

Armed with my sketchbook and my paints, I taught some drawing workshops and worked with local groups who are tackling the plastic tide and trying to keep these islands magical for generations to come.

Like many people, I learned about Darwin at school. I enjoyed biology and art and I’ve been lucky enough to live and work in different countries, wanting to learn about places I didn’t know. I’ve always been slightly envious of Darwin’s voyages, but the conditions in which Darwin and his contemporaries travelled also astound me - seeing the cramped conditions in the model of the ‘Beagle’ at Down House is

humbling, and having sailed myself a little, I know how hard it can be to work in a moving boat.

I’ve always loved drawing from observation. I learn so much from really looking at a plant, an animal or bird that I don’t from taking photos.

In trying to capture the shape of a bird, you are inevitably learning about its habits, the way it moves, what it eats. Looking closely at a tree or plant will teach you exactly how the leaf attaches to the branch.

Artists and scientists are all just interested in exploring the world and our place in it, sometimes there is not much that divides our work.

GCT is right at the centre of a large network of scientists, tour operators and locals protecting the Archipelago and it was an absolute privilege to see these isles from their viewpoint, too.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this trip possible and for the incredible welcome. I hope this is just the start.

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RENEWING THE ENVIRONMENTALSOCIAL PACT

© Henri Leduc

by Norman Wray, Governor of the Galapagos Governing Council

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n 2007, I was elected to the Ecuadorean Constituent Assembly to participate in the elaboration of the constitution of the Republic of Ecuador. The new constitution, ratified in a referendum in 2008, has important consequences for Galapagos and other regions of national natural heritage.

The constitution established the principle of Buen Vivir, an ecologically sensitive way-of-living inspired by the traditions of the Quencha people of the Andes. Within this paradigm, Ecuador became the first country to recognize the Rights of Nature, acknowledging that nature in all its forms has the “right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles”. The constitution also created the Consejo de Gobierno del Regimen Especial de Galapagos (CGREG) to simplify the governance of the Archipelago and act as the point of contact with the national government.

In 2012, I married Lucia Norris, a Galapagos resident, on the sandy beach of La Loberia in San Cristobal, surrounded by sleepy sea lions, soaring frigate birds and a resplendent sunset. Living in the Archipelago greatly sharpened my understanding of the social and environmental challenges faced

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by the local community and the governing bodies. What struck me most at the time was the lack of drinkable water, the absence of wastewater treatment, the high cost of living, the limited access to health services and the non-contextualized education offering. As the incumbent president of CGREG, I am excited to be in a position to implement Buen Vivir in a place as special as Galapagos.

I sense very strongly that the islands are at an inflection point. The population has increased from 16,000 in 1998 to over 25,000 in the last census in 2015. Tourism continues to grow from 60,000 in 2000 to over 275,000 in 2018. The existing model of “sustainable development” seems to be missing a vital element. In the months and years ahead, I am determined to take decisions that ensure both the environmental integrity of the Islands and the social well-being of the population, something I call “Renewing the

Environmental-Social Pact”. This is possible.

One of my main tasks will be to foster a spirit of collaboration. CGREG is a young organisation that is still finding its place and if I can achieve one thing it will be to establish the Consejo as a “space of encounter” for everyone in Galapagos, where people really feel they have a say in the future of these islands. There will be flagship projects too, to confront the biosecurity threats to the Islands, to improve health and education, and enhance social capital, the local economy and the nature that makes Galapagos unique.

I am confident this is the right time to address the challenges, and that I can contribute favorably in this direction.

Undoubtedly, I cannot achieve this alone, and I count on the support from all the key actors that love and are committed to Galapagos as well.

MEMBERSHIP T

here are many different ways to help support conservation in Galapagos. Thank you to everyone for all your tremendous involvement and efforts!

GALAPAGOS GUARDIANS

E

very year a few supporters decide to take their involvement to a different level and donate £2,000 to become a ‘Galapagos Guardian’. Guardians are thanked in our Annual Review and receive exclusive invitations to events. But this is often not the reason they sign up. Sue McNab told us “Visiting the Galapagos back in 2011 was something I’d wanted to do for a long time but never thought I would. It felt like the trip of a lifetime and I was utterly bewitched.

I started donating to the various GCT appeals but wanted to do something a bit more personal and to feel more involved. I like the

idea of being a “Guardian” because the islands are so precious that they need looking after by people who care about them. I would love to go back some day, and hope to find them in as good a state as they were in 2011, if not even better!”

Others decide to pay £600 to become a life member of GCT, knowing that they will continue to be involved with Galapagos whatever the future brings.

Please do get in touch with kelly@gct.org if you are interested in becoming a life member or a Guardian.

SWIMWAY SUPPORTER STORYBOOK SUCCESS SURVEY e were so pleased to see a young shark enthusiast, Roman, enjoying his copy of Marti the Hammerhead Shark!

His mother and storybook campaign supporter, Sophie Ratchford, said “Not only is it a story but the book has a tonne of facts too. Currents, migrations and the other marine life of the Galapagos.” We love to see our work making an impact, both in Galapagos and here in the UK, so please do share your stories with us!

You can order a copy of our Marti the Hammerhead Shark storybook using the form on the back page or online at galapagosconservation.org.uk/shop

© Sophie Ratchford

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I

n June GCT sent out a survey to everyone who has signed up to receive emails from us. We wanted a cross section of your views about events and the importance of our membership scheme, as we are finding many people are supporting us without joining up. Many thanks to all of you who responded – your views will help inform our next three year strategy. We made the difficult decision not to mail the survey, because of high costs of postage and manually inputting responses for analysis – as we try wherever possible, to keep our valuable money for project work. From the survey, it was very clear to us that you are all passionate about protecting Galapagos and thank you for rating the quality of our work so highly – 97% thought it was very good or excellent. If you would like to be involved in future surveys of this kind, please sign up to our monthly e-newsletter at galapagosconservation.org.uk/newsletter.

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS

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-year-old Margaret Parkes has been selling plants and vegetables for 25 years. “Each time I have £50 I send a cheque to one of my favourite charities and have raised over £24,450. I could never afford to go to Galapagos, so joining the Trust has been a good alternative.” Margaret has supported us since 2002 and we think she is an inspiration. Small donations add up – thank you Margaret!

To find out more about these and other ways to help GCT, please contact us in the office, email gct@gct.org or visit galapagosconservation.org.uk/get-involved

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HELP THE ENDANGERED GALAPAGOS LAND BIRDS TODAY!

LAND BIRDS APPEAL

T

he land birds are one of the Galapagos Islands’ most historical icons. During his voyage to Galapagos in 1835, Charles Darwin reflected on the differences between the birds on various islands. It was the variation between the species that helped Darwin to develop his theory of evolution.

Sadly half of all the Galapagos land birds are now on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and are at risk of extinction. These include the critically endangered mangrove finch, Floreana © Professor W. G. Hale mockingbird and the medium tree finch, as well as the San Cristobal mockingbird, recorded as either endangered or critically endangered. Many more are listed as vulnerable, including the little vermilion flycatcher.

Due to threats from invasive species, such as rats, feral cats and the Philornis downsi fly, the number of land birds has been steadily decreasing, with fewer than 100 individuals left within some species.

Of the resident land birds in Galapagos, almost all of them are endemic, making them even more vulnerable to invasive species.

On the magazine’s cover you will have seen the beautiful little vermilion flycatcher with his vibrant red underparts and crown, and if you’ve visited Galapagos, you may have been lucky enough to see one yourself. The males, with their striking red plumage, are the brightest land birds on the Archipelago and are a favourite among visitors. However, their population is declining at a rapid rate and the species is already extinct on both Floreana and San Cristobal and close to extinction on Santa Cruz island.

P. downsi flies are one factor causing the decline of the little vermilion flycatcher. As well as this, decreasing habitat quality due to invasive plant species such as the hill raspberry, mora. This plant forms dense thickets that prevents birds reaching protein and fat rich invertebrates on the ground. This lack of access to food eventually leads to nest abandonment by the females, limiting breeding success for little vermilion flycatchers on Santa Cruz.

GCT is supporting a new project with the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation, aiming to prevent the extinction of these beautiful birds with a three-year programme.

Efforts will include restoring six hectares of Scalesia forest, prime habitat for the little vermilion flycatcher made up of giant daisy trees; evaluating if predator control increases nesting success; and attempting to reduce P. downsi larvae infestation in nests with insecticide use.

Another project that GCT is supporting will culminate with the reintroduction of the Floreana mockingbird, extinct from its original home of Floreana island due to habitat loss and predation by invasive species. Now only found on the nearby islets of Champion and Gardener, this crucial project aims to reintroduce locally extinct species including the Floreana mockingbird with the hope to increase numbers of the global population.

We need your help to continue supporting vital projects such as these. Just £50 will help protect nests from invasive species during the upcoming breeding season so that chicks can thrive and flourish into the next generation of Galapagos land birds.

Please donate today to help us work towards our goal of protecting the iconic land birds of Galapagos. You can do so either using the form on the back page or by contacting the office on 020 7399 7440.

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© Luis Ortiz Catedral

GALAPAGOS RAFFLE

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his year we have several amazing prizes to be won, including your chance to experience the Galapagos Islands with a friend or family member for just £2! The cruise will be hosted by Ecoventura aboard one of the magnificent Theory or Origin yachts and dates are flexible.

The prize not only includes the cruise but also up to £1,000 for each person towards return flights.

Our other amazing prizes are a Trek Bicycle hybrid bike, a mixed case of Grand Cru and Premier Cru champagne donated by Finest Fizz and eight weeks’ worth of Seasonal Organic veg boxes from Riverford Organic Farmers.

The draw will be made electronically on Galapagos Day, Wednesday 30 October 2019. You can buy raffle tickets using the form on the back page or on our website.

Please visit our website for more information, including terms and conditions.

EVENTS

For more information about events and to book your tickets, simply visit galapagosconservation.org.uk/events or call us on 020 7399 7440

CRUISE WITH GALAPAGOS CONSERVATION TRUST

GALAPAGOS DAY

WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2019 19:00 - 22:00 (DOORS OPEN AT 18:00) ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, 1 KENSINGTON GORE, LONDON

J

JUNE 2020

oin Galapagos Conservation Trust for an evening exploring the threats affecting some of Galapagos’ most endangered, and iconic, birds and reptiles. The event will be hosted by renowned wildlife expert and award-winning writer Mark Carwardine, who will highlight the urgent need to protect the Archipelago from a range of threats.

Speakers will include GCT partner Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez who will be sharing his research on plastic pollution and marine vertebrates. Dr Luis Ortiz-Catedral will explore the challenges of reintroducing locally extinct species such as the Floreana mockingbird and Galapagos land iguanas, back to their original islands. Finally, Sophia Cooke will talk about the impact of invasive species on species such as Darwin’s finches.

Tickets are £20 (£15 for students) - you can buy tickets using the form on the back, visiting our website, or by calling the office on 020 7399 7440.

GALAPAGOS

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he 2020 Cruise with Galapagos Conservation Trust has been announced, offering you the perfect way to see the Archipelago on a comfortable, intimate and informative voyage. Accompanied by a GCT staff member throughout the trip, you will have exclusive opportunities to visit projects funded and delivered by GCT. With small group sizes of up to 16 passengers, you will meet passionate conservationists working on projects in Galapagos. What’s more, you can travel in the knowledge that your trip will be directly supporting the conservation and sustainability of the Islands.

For the first time ever, there will be two GCT cruise options in 2020, choose from an action-packed 10 day cruise, or a 17 day cruise, for the ultimate Galapagos experience. The cruise, which takes place in June 2020, is in partnership with Wild Tracks. For more information, please visit our website or call the office on 020 7399 7440.

MERCHANDISE Christmas cards

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER 020 7399 7440 galapagosconservation.org.uk

GALAPAGOS 2020 2020 Galapagos Calendar

Our 2020 calendar is now ready to pre-order! Filled with stunning photos of Galapagos’ finest birds, animals and landscapes, this year’s calendar features images from our 2019 Galapagos photography competition, including the winning image ‘Reflections’ of a Galapagos giant tortoise by Joe Sullivan. Only £10!

[Pre-order shipping date planned for early October.]

All cards read: “Seasons Greetings | Felices Fiestas”and come in packs of 10 with envelopes.

We have two brand new Christmas card designs this year – our humorous Santa Jaws card and a beautifully illustrated little vermilion flycatcher card. Each design is £5 for a pack, or £9 for two.

GALAPAGOS SEA LION ADOPTION Our latest adoption species is the Galapagos sea lion, famed for their inquisitive nature and agility in the water. The postal adoption pack includes a fact file full of interesting information on this iconic species, a personalised certificate with our official GCT stamp and a wonderfully soft sea lion toy. The recipient will also receive email updates via our monthly e-Newsletter about the conservation work we are doing in Galapagos. All proceeds from this adoption goes directly towards protecting the unique wildlife of the Islands, including Galapagos sea lions.

© Miguel Andrade

FEBRUARY

© Galapagos National Park

JANUARY

Certi ficate of Adop tion This is to certify

that

has adopted a Galap

agos sea lion for one year.

Thank you for helping conser an endang ered species ve and protect of Galapa gos.

Charles Darwin Suite,

28 Portland Place London, W1B 1LY galapago sconserv ation.org.uk

Order these and other Galapagos merchandise using the form on the back page or online at galapagosconservation.org.uk/shop

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Yes I am a UK taxpayer and I want to Gift Aid my donation and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to the Galapagos Conservation Trust. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

JOIN US

Want to become a GCT member? From as little as ÂŁ3 per month, you can support the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect these incredible Islands and their wildlife.

Members receive monthly email newsletter bringing you the latest Galapagos news and information about GCT projects and events, biannual copies of the Galapagos Matters magazine, an exclusive GCT pin badge and priority booking for events and lectures.

You can find out more online at galapagosconservation.org.uk/membership Yes I would like to join, please contact me.

PAYMENT FORM There are several easy ways to place an order or donate in support of our work.

1. Via our website galapagosconservation.org.uk 2. By telephone on 020 7399 7440 3. By completing the details on this form and returning with your preferred payment method to: Galapagos Conservation Trust, Charles Darwin Suite, 28 Portland Place, London, W1B 1LY Appeal

Total Price £

Make a donation to our Endangered Land Birds appeal I would like to give: £30 / £50 / £100 / £300 / Other (please circle) to help protect endangered Galapagos land birds

Galapagos Day tickets

Price £

Galapagos Day tickets

20.00

Galapagos Day tickets (student)

15.00

Raffle ticket (max. 50 tickets)

2.00

Gifts

Price £

2020 Calendar

10.00

Santa Jaws Christmas cards

5.00 or 2 for 9.00

Little vermilion flycatcher Christmas cards

5.00 or 2 for 9.00

Marti the Hammerhead Shark: A Galapagos Journey book

20.00

Paperback edition of The Galapagos by Henry Nicholls

10.00

Adoptions – £30 each

Qty

Total Price £

Qty

Total Price £

Recipients Details

Total Price £

Name on certificate:

Galapagos Sea Lion Email for updates:

Name on certificate:

Giant Tortoise Email for updates:

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Floreana Mockingbird (£25 including pin badge)

Name on certificate: Email for updates:

Name on certificate: Email for updates:

Postage & Packaging Charges All orders

UK

Europe

ROW

1.50

5.00

10.00

Total Price £

TOTAL All donations will go towards supporting conservation in Galapagos.

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GALAPAGOS MATTERS

Join us for the

TRIP OF A LIFETIME on a bespoke Galapagos Conservation Trust cruise Cruise with Galapagos Conservation Trust between 10-26 June 2020

Choose from either an action-packed 10 day cruise, or a 17 day cruise, for nce. the ultimate Galapagos experie

Images: Š Marcel Gross, Claire Waring, Nick Dunn, Wild Tracks

red Visit projects funded and delive

by Galapagos Conservation Trust and meet passionate conservationists working on the Islands. Maximum 16 passengers.

Visit fantastic sites such as: Floreana North Seymour Isabela Fernandina Santa Cruz Genovesa EspaĂąola San Cristobal

For more information, please visit our website galapagosconservation.org.uk/gct-cruise or email kelly@gct.org

Travel in the knowledge that your trip will be directly supporting the conservation and sustainability of the Islands.