Threats to the Galapagos Environment

The Galapagos Islands, located 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, have been known for their pristine environment and distinctive wildlife. These remote islands have been privileged with the seclusion that has permitted ecosystems to evolve in a rare and unmatched way.

On the other hand, right now the islands are experiencing the effects of extreme climate events, introduced species, a fast-expanding population and exploding tourism.

The endemic species to the Galapagos have survived in harmony for hundreds of years. In fact, as Darwin noted various species have become so secluded that they have evolved and adapted to the environments of individual islands. Darwin noticed this specifically with the Galapagos Finch, a bird whose beak, color, and size is numerous on each island.

Now, you can see a significant yellow land iguana on 1 island and a smaller, grayish land iguana on a diverse island. Recently, yet, new species have been introduced to the islands and are disrupting the harmony of the endemic animals.

Rats, goats, and wild dogs are amongst these species brought to the islands by humans. On Isabela Island, for example, some hundreds of thousands of goats are destroying the tortoise population.

A further threat to the preservation of the islands is overpopulation. Humans have been living on the islands due to the fact the early 1800s, but lately the population among quite a few of the islands has exploded.

The four inhabited islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Floreana are now household to over 40,000 men and women. Even though human settlement is restricted to only three% of the islands (97% of the archipelago is protected by the National Park), the impact that this growing population has on the islands is becoming perilous.

As the Galapagos Islands obtain reputation, extra and extra guests grace the archipelago every year. Whilst tourism is a booming industry in the islands, it is also taking its toll on the surroundings. With airplanes landing and departing the islands' 4 airports everyday, yachts and cruises transporting tourists day-to-day from island to island, and the hundreds of thousands of tourists trekking by way of the pristine landscape the put on and tear on the islands is rising.

Extreme climate events have also taken a toll on the wildlife and environment. "El Niño" affects the islands every single few years, raising the water temperature and growing rainfall. Adverse effects of this phenomenon are perilous to marine life.

These threats to the Galapagos surroundings have turn into a serious issue and a variety of organizations have now created it their mission to pursue Galapagos conservation projects. The Inter-institutional Committee for the Management and Manage of Introduced Species, or CIMEI, is devoted to controlling domestic animals and introduced species.

In efforts to address the escalating population, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and the Ecuadorian government is operating on legislation to restrict immigration. So far the government has implemented new travel regulations and begun requiring "visas" for Ecuadorians visiting the islands.

The tourist site visitors to the islands is also getting regulated. An entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park ranging from $6 for Ecuadorian citizens to $100 for most foreigners is required upon arrival to the islands. Moreover, travelers entering the Galapagos have to acquire a Transit Control Card for a fee of $10, which consists of a chip, a barcode, and an identifying photograph registering specifics about the traveler. This card allows the Galapagos National Park to track the number of guests on the island at any offered time.

The Galapagos is a natural treasure however, the beauty of these enchanted islands is in danger of getting tarnished.

Read extra about conservation efforts prior to planning your trip to Galapagos. Inquire with trip advisors now to see how to collaborate with the sustainable tourism work and selections for your environmentally friendly trip.

The Galapagos National Park and other organizations are operating challenging to preserve the integrity, beauty, and immaculacy of this UNESCO World Heritage Web site. We can expect to see tighter regulations on immigration and tourism in the close to future as measures are taken to defend the islands.