Galapagos Conservation Conservation is a critical issue in the Galapagos. Two of the major problems are human overpopulation and introduced species. The population of the Galapagos Islands has risen dramatically, with a growth rate of 8% per year, higher than elsewhere in the country. Why? The Ecuadorian people are drawn to the Galapagos because of the growing tourist industry, which offers jobs, higher wages Ð in short, a better lifestyle. Tourism has risen from an estimated 4500

Introduced species are any species that did not evolve on on the islands, and were brought by humans. Over time, these animals have survived and reproduced on their own, own, becoming uncontrollable. These animals, such as cats, dogs, rats, goats, pigs, and donkeys, as well as damage the fragile balance of the environment and put the unique species of the islands in grave danger of extinction. They take the food of endemic species, devour devour turtle eggs and baby land iguanas, and erode the soil by eating the plants. Conservation efforts have been undertaken by the Charles Darwin Foundation of the Galapagos Islands and the National Park administration to eliminate these animals with some success. For example, all the black rats on BartolomŽ have been eliminated, and an active hunting campaign has made a big difference in the large goat populations that used to exist on these islands. You might find evidence of the goat hunting efforts throughout your trip.

On the bright side, there have been no recorded species extinctions since 1959 when the islands were declared a national park, and the populations of the giant land tortoise, the land iguana and the Hawaiian petrel have been restored.

If you are interested in learning more about these and other issues that affect the Galapagos Islands, go to www.galapagos.org