Galapagos Matters Spring/Summer 2014 by Galapagos Conservation Trust

GALAPAGOSMATTERS SPRING | SUMMER 2014

Fish-eating snakes

Finch in peril The research station

at fifty

Discovering Galapagos

savegalapagos.org

GALAPAGOSMATTERS CONTENTS

The research station

at fifty

FROM THE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Cover Image A mature Galapagos penguin cools itself in the sea breeze at Cinco Cerros, Isabela. ©TUI DE ROY

by Ian Dunn

4-5 Wild Galapagos 6-7 Galapagos News 8-9 FAlmost eature:20 years Something Fishy ago, Godfrey Merlen watched in

16-19 FCDF’s eature: Finch in Peril Francesca Cunninghame explains why the mangrove

finch faces such an uncertain future and outlines ongoing efforts to prevent its extinction, and Richard Switzer describes the expertise he and his colleagues at San Diego Zoo bring to the project.

20 GScience lobal Relevance communicator Kelvin Boot reflects on the huge potential of

amazement as a land-loving Galapagos snake edged its way towards the ocean, on the hunt for a fishy morsel. Here, he recalls that day and wonders whether this bizarre behaviour could be more widespread than we imagine.

Galapagos to inspire young children both in the Islands and beyond.

the first time. Since then, it has been a hub for scientific research in the Islands. We look back at some of the major milestones.

12-15 GAllalapagos in the UK the latest news from the Galapagos Conservation

exciting year ahead of us made possible through your continued support and engagement. As before, thank you for your very positive comments on the 2013 Autumn/Winter edition. It is a membership magazine and we value your feedback.

Trust, including an update on the exciting new Discovering Galapagos project.

Godfrey Merlen, an Ambassador of GCT, has lived in Galapagos for more than 40 years. He is currently involved in collaborations with the Galapagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Foundation (of which he is a member of the general assembly) and the new Biosecurity Agency for the control and prevention of the arrival of new species.

Francesca Cunninghame is an ornithologist at the Charles Darwin Foundation. She started working on the conservation of endangered birds at a young age, has worked on a range of species from her native New Zealand and mainland South America and has been studying the mangrove finch since 2009.

Richard Switzer is associate director of applied animal ecology at San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research. Before taking up this position, he worked on field conservation projects and captive management of birds in Mauritius, Hawaii and Qatar.

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

CONTRIBUTORS

Kelvin Boot is a science communicator working with Britain’s leading marine science organisations as well as for the Natural Environment Research Council and on a range of EU projects. He has written hundreds of popular articles on all aspects of natural history, is the editor of The Marine Scientist and a frequent contributor to Saving Species and Shared Planet on BBC Radio 4.

ELCOME TO THE SPRING 2014 EDITION OF GALAPAGOS MATTERS. We have an

Last year both the Whale Shark Appeal and the Penguin Appeal were tremendously successful and we have already started deploying funds in support of both projects (see the penguin update on p. 13). Our Spring appeal will focus on the mangrove finch, an unassuming bird that is now critically endangered and hanging on in just 32 hectares of mangrove forest. Science leader Francesca Cunninghame’s article gives you an insight into the current efforts to conserve the remaining population (p. 16-19). Our focus on finding a solution to Philornis downsi, the botfly decimating Galapagos land birds, moves up a level, with very significant additional funding from the US (p. 6). I am delighted that the early support given by GCT has resulted in the international conservation community throwing its weight behind this critical project. This year we will be launching Discovering Galapagos, a bilingual educational tool supporting the UK and Ecuadorian curricula which includes a wealth of information on Galapagos,

10-11 FIneature: The Research Station at 50 1964, the Charles Darwin Research Station opened its doors for

21 Reviews and Membership 22 Events 23 Supporter Cruise and Galapagos Adoption Packs

interactive learning tools, images and videos. Developed with the Royal Geographical Society, we are enormously excited by the opportunities this online experience will open up for all ages to become more engaged with Galapagos (p. 14-15). We have several interesting events lined up this year, including the re-launch of Galapagos Day (p. 22). After a wonderful trip last year, we have also secured dates for the 2014 and 2015 supporter cruises (p. 23). Spaces are limited so please contact us as soon as possible to register your interest. Thank you again for your support and, as ever, please do let us know your thoughts on our work and on this edition of Galapagos Matters. Ian Dunn Chief Executive, Galapagos Conservation Trust

Galapagos Matters is a copyright biannual publication produced for members of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. The information in this issue was obtained ISSN 2050-6074 GalapagosMatters is Designer: The Graphic Design House from various sources, all of which have printed on paper made from well managed Printer: Bishops Printers extensive knowledge of Galapagos, but forests and controlled sources. Charles Darwin Suite, 28 Portland neither GCT nor the contributors are Editor: Henry Nicholls Place, London W1B 1LY responsible for the accuracy of the Chief Executive: Ian Dunn 020 7399 7440 contents or the opinions expressed herein. Communications Officer: Pete Haskell gct@gct.org www.savegalapagos.org gct@gct.org 020 7399 7440

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WILD GALAPAGOS T

his stunning shot of a Nazca Booby was taken by full-time professional photographer and artist Denise Ippolito. While traveling to Galapagos as a photography co-leader with world-famous bird photographer Arthur Morris, Denise was able to capture this beautiful shot at Punta Suarez on Espanola. To see more of Deniseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photography, visit deniseippolito.com.

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

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NEWS

PINK IGUANA INSIGHTS

VIRTUAL GALAPAGOS

he hotspot responsible for Galapagos may not be located beneath the youngest island of Fernandina, as is generally assumed. Images of volcanic activity to a depth of some 300 km below sea level suggest that the source of Galapagos eruptions is located approximately 150 km to the southeast, report geologists from the University of Oregon and other institutions in the US in the journal Nature Geoscience. Their images also show the volcanic activity is far more complex and widespread than models have predicted, a finding that helps to explain why so many volcanoes in Galapagos – around a dozen – still show signs of activity. ■

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

PHILORNIS GRANT C

DF’s research into the invasive botfly Philornis downsi has been given a significant boost, with a $600,000 grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. More than half of the 20 endemic passerine species in Galapagos are at risk from this nest parasite, with the mangrove finch (p. 16) and several other species on the brink of extinction. The grant will help CDF and collaborating institutions continue urgent research into the ecology of this invasive insect and to develop novel methods of control. ■

ECUADORIAN MILK SNAKE FOUND

alapagos residents were surprised in February, when their car ran over a colourful snake in the highlands of Santa Cruz, the first case of an introduced snake in the Archipelago. The GNP was quick to coordinate a search for further individuals near the small settlement of Santa Rosa on the Santa Cruz Highway that crosses the island. “Monitoring includes forming a circle of a mile around the area in which it is found to determine the possible presence of more specimens in the field and prevent movement into protected areas,” says Danny Rueda, director of ecosystem management at the Galapagos National Park. Herpetologists at CDF and at the University of San Francisco in Quito identified the specimen as an Ecuadorian milk snake. All available evidence suggests this was a one-off incident. ■

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY CENSUS

recent census of blue-footed boobies in Galapagos which was co-funded by GCT and the Galapagos Conservancy has revealed that the size of the current population is one-third that of the 1960s. Researchers have linked this to a chronic lack of breeding within the population. Over the past three years, breeding activity has been absent from some colonies and birds with juvenile plumage account for only 1.2% of the population. The most likely cause is a reduction in food availability, as previous studies have linked the abundance of sardines and herring to successful breeding. A dramatic decrease in sardine abundance in the eastern Pacific has been recorded over the past 15 years as part of a natural cycle. This has meant that whilst adults can still survive, relatively few chicks have been successfully raised since 1997. ■ © GCT

WIDESPREAD ERUPTION

“This imagery will not only be of utmost importance for research and management, but also an exceptional platform to raise environmental awareness about the importance of conserving this world heritage site,” says Pelayo Salinas de León, CDF’s head of fisheries and sharks research and coordinator of the marine surveys on the project. ■

Images collected last year by Google’s Trekker platform and the Catlin Seaview Survey SVII camera system have been used to create a series of 360° panoramas at several sites across the Archipelago, both above and below the waves. These can now be explored on the Street View feature of Google Maps. The same technology has also been used to create several virtual behind-the-scenes tours of the Charles Darwin Research Station (see www.darwinfoundation.org/datazone/collections/).

thorough survey of Wolf Volcano has revealed new and intriguing insights about the enigmatic pink iguana. Earlier this year, a team of personnel from the GNP and researchers from the University of Tor Vergata in Italy spent ten days on Wolf, the northernmost volcano on Isabela and the highest in the Archipelago. Amongst many findings, the team discovered a nesting zone near the summit and estimated that there could be as many as 500 pink iguanas. Although this is more than expected, the population is still small, says Washington Tapia, the GNP’s former head of research. “Therefore, we should begin a captive breeding programme soon to help increase the numbers and contribute to the overall conservation of the pink iguana,” he says. ■

DANIEL ORELLANA FROM THE CHARLES DARWIN FOUNDATION COLLECTS IMAGES WITH “THE TREKKER”. © GOOGLE

HE THRILLS OF GALAPAGOS can now be experienced from the comfort of your own home, courtesy of a pioneering collaboration between the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), Galapagos National Park (GNP), Catlin Seaview Survey and Google Maps.

GALAPAGOS

MAKE GALAPAGOS HISTORY

hose who have visited Galapagos will know that the sign outside the entrance to the Charles Darwin Research Station is a popular spot to be photographed. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the research station, CDF and the Friends of Galapagos Organisations are asking you to send in your photos beside the sign to contribute to a giant montage that will go on display at the new visitor centre. It is a great opportunity to become a part of Galapagos history! A voluntary donation of £5 per photo would be put towards building repairs that are desperately needed (see the library renovation on p. 11) and help keep the CDF at the forefront of Galapagos conservation science for years to come. For more information or to submit your photo, please visit www.darwinsignproject.com. ■ SPRING | SUMMER 2014

THE FISH-FEEDING SNAKES OF FERNANDINA

THE

FISH-EATING SNAKES

OF FERNANDINA by Godfrey Merlen

HE LOW HILLTOP OF CAPE DOUGLAS on the northwest corner of Fernandina slopes down to the sea. It is a rough place of jumbled lava with a flat wave-washed ledge about 40 metres wide that eventually falls precipitously, a drop of just over one metre, into some of the most productive waters in Galapagos.

The rich waters explain why this harsh volcanic haul-out is adorned with several dozen flightless cormorants, hundreds of fur seals and even more marine iguanas, all endemic species intent on exploiting the abundant resources just off shore. But beyond these very visible residents, there is a far less conspicuous creature that shows a truly remarkable behavioural adaptation to this special environment. For most visitors to Galapagos, snakes are unlikely to feature high on their wish list of must-see species. They are encountered only rarely, so are difficult to study and as a consequence receive little attention in the guidebooks. The four endemic species are reported to be “mildly poisonous” constrictors, eating lava lizards, marine iguana hatchlings, grasshoppers and (on islands where they still exist) endemic rice rats. But, in August 1995, I discovered that the Galapagos racers at Cape Douglas have added another food source to their diet: fish. Whilst ambling across the wave-washed ledge, I noticed a snake entering a narrow crack in the lava that led to the sea. It seemed strangely purposeful, which made me curious about what it was up to. At some risk from the waves, I moved quickly into a position where I might catch another glimpse of the snake. I was fortunate, for as I peered along the edge of the sheer lava face, its head and a significant part of its body slowly projected from the crack and hung out over the sea. Suddenly it struck sideways and then quickly retreated. I did so too, to find the creature emerging onto the lava ledge with a four-eyed blenny in its mouth. As far as I know, I was the first person to witness and record this behaviour in Galapagos snakes.

In subsequent years, I have made further sightings of fish-eating snakes at Cape Douglas and once also at Cape Hammond to the south. Here, at low-tide, I observed 15 snakes patrolling the sandy, rocky floor of the lagoon, investigating holes and slithering between lava boulders in search of prey. I found one individual attempting to swallow a 13-cm-long fish. Most recently, in November last year, I spent six days at Cape Douglas with the BBC to record this remarkable behaviour, footage due to be broadcast later this year. One individual I named “Mr Light” due to his obvious light-coloured stripes, occupied a defined fishing “patch”, on one day consuming an incredible eight blennies in 47 minutes. The three fish-eating snakes I observed on this occasion were dedicated fishermen, not going after other prey, and they seemed to stick to a daily pattern. When the tide was falling, they slithered downhill, often over the backs of iguanas, to feed amongst the wet boulders, sea anemones and algae. Once full and with the tide on the turn, they would retreat to higher ground where it is dry and warm. Charles Darwin would have been fascinated by these observations. At this moment it is not possible to say if this extraordinary habit occurs more widely on Fernandina. The available evidence suggests it is unique to the west coast, perhaps because the abundance of terrestrial prey along this stretch of the island is relatively low and the waters just off shore are particularly rich. In this setting, snakes have found an open niche but have had to make a radical change in their behaviour to exploit it. In time, it is just this kind of process that could result in the origin of a new species. ■

The snake seemed strangely purposeful, which made me curious about what it was up to

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

Above: A Galapagos racer strikes at Cape Douglas on Fernandina. © Godfrey Merlen. Right: Fernandina from space, showing Cape Douglas to the northwest and Cape Hammond at the southwest of the island. Tagus Cove on Isabela is visible across the Bolivar Channel in the top right of the image. © NASA.

DIALOMMUS FUSCUS © GODFREY MERLEN

THE SNAKES OF GALAPAGOS There are four terrestrial snakes known to occur in Galapagos. Two of these species are found on Fernandina: the Galapagos banded snake (Antillophis slevini) and the Galapagos racer (Pseudalsophis biserialis occidentalis). The fish-eating behaviour has only been observed for the Galapagos racer.

THE FOUR-EYED BLENNY

f all the fish that inhabit the shores of Galapagos, few are more curious than the endemic four-eyed blenny, one of the most important prey items of the fish-eating snakes of Fernandina. Its name is misleading as it has two eyes, though each lens is divided into two distinct flat surfaces that allow the fish to see both in and out of the water. This remarkable arrangement, in concert with a strong tail for flipping it about in the air from rock to rock and cryptic colouring, allows the blenny to inhabit the inter-tidal zone where it hunts small crustaceans.

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FIFTY YEARS

FIFTY YEARS F

ifty years ago, on 20 January 1964, a small group of scientists, Ecuadorian authorities and ambassadors from several countries gathered at the eastern limits of Puerto Ayora on the central island of Santa Cruz to celebrate the official opening of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). For the first time since its foundation five years earlier, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) had an operative base in Galapagos: offices, laboratory

space and a library that would further its mission “to provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos Archipelago.” Over the years, the CDRS has welcomed hundreds of visiting scientists to Galapagos and in collaboration with the government of Ecuador has made some major contributions to the conservation of these islands. ■

RENOVATING THE LIBRARY In January, two highly skilled engineers travelled to Galapagos as part of a project to rejuvenate several of the CDRS buildings. Jon Waite and Amie Shuttleworth, who have been working as engineers in London for over five and eight years respectively, took a three-month sabbatical during which they volunteered their time and skills towards making improvements to the CDRS buildings, as well as helping with the design of a best-practice family house with the Princes Foundation for Building Community. The library has been a primary focus of their work, a building that houses a vast collection of books, publications and scientific journals and

has been central to the CDRS since its inception 50 years ago. With careful consideration given to minimising access to insects and control of humidity, they designed and project managed the renovations, giving the library a new lease of life. “The research station is so important to the continued conservation of Galapagos and knowing that we have helped to make the library more accessible at the same time as preserving the impressive collection in a low-energy manner is a great feeling,” says Amie. To read more about the project and their time spent in Galapagos, visit the project website sustainablegalapagos.org. ■

TIMELINE COURTESY OF LISA BROWN. IMAGES BY YEAR: 1964 – © CDF; 1965 – © LINDA CAYOT; 1971 – © GCT; 1972 – © OLE HAMANN; 1973 – © K. THALIA GRANT; 1976 – © SUZANNE HUGHES; 1982 – © DAVID COOK; 2002 – © MARK HODDLE; 2013 – © SWEN LORENZ; 2014 – © JON WAITE.

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

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GALAPAGOS

NEWS

PENGUINS:

GENETICS: THE NEXT PIECE IN THE PENGUIN PUZZLE

PHOTOGRAPHY

COMPETITION

his striking image of mating Galapagos hawks taken by Angela Robertson on Espanola has been voted as the overall winner of GCT’s 2013 Galapagos Photography Competition. Visit savegalapagos.org to see the winners and runners-up of each category. Photographer’s comment: “I was photographing this female hawk, when a male flew in, landed on her back and mated with her. A blowhole in the rocky shoreline to the left of this scene helps to highlight the birds against the sea spray. I was very lucky to be right there at that moment and not photographing the lava lizards nearby, as some of my friends were!” Judge’s comments: “Mist from Espanola’s blowhole offsets the vivid action with striking contrast, perfectly framed, with just enough movement blur to add tension to a brief moment.” Tui De Roy “A stunning image, summing up to me everything that is Galapagos: wild, raw, precarious!” Pete Oxford

APPEAL AND PROJECT UPDATE

M W

e would like to extend our thanks to all supporters who have donated to our Galapagos Penguin Appeal. We have already raised enough funds to support the first phase of this year’s project, during which the team from CDF will visit penguin colonies on Isabela and Fernandina in the west of the Archipelago. The researchers collect several types of data during surveys, including key population demographics (used to estimate rates of penguin survival and reproduction) and meteorological conditions (to assess the effect of the changing environment upon the population). They also obtain veterinary samples to assess penguin health and to test for the presence of diseases such as avian malaria. Additionally, researchers record the presence of introduced mammalian species such as rats and cats, allowing them to assess the efficacy of existing management strategies for invasive species. With these data, the team is able to provide scientific advice to the Galapagos National Park Service to help them manage these populations. The long-term nature of this study is fundamental, as it is the only way to gauge population trends of this endangered species with any accuracy.

HELP FROM THE DEEP

onitoring efforts are vital to obtain important ecological information but they can be significantly improved when accompanied by modern genetic tools. Genetic analysis is able to give an accurate estimate of the ‘effective’ population size (the number of penguins that actually breed), which has the potential to unmask reproductive problems in the colonies that would not necessarily be identified during monitoring. Recently, the California Academy of Sciences has identified tissue samples from Galapagos penguins collected almost a century ago. These are currently undergoing analysis. A comparison of the DNA from historical and contemporary specimens will provide an insight into how their genetic makeup has changed over this time, whether their genetic diversity has diminished and how populations have fluctuated. We may also be able to identify the selection pressures that have driven recent changes within the colony. The techniques to obtain DNA samples are not invasive, as DNA can be extracted from abandoned feathers, faeces and empty egg shells. Since 2011, feathers have been collected from every penguin sampled and will provide a great sample set for comparison.

WILL YOU HELP US TO REACH OUR TOTAL? £70k

Amount needed for all monitoring trips and genetic analysis Amount needed for all monitoring trips this year Amount reached

W WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES INTO OUR 2014 GALAPAGOS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION. If you have a striking shot taken in Galapagos that you believe could be a winner, why not enter now and see what the judges say? Visit savegalapagos.org to see this year’s categories, terms and conditions and details of how to enter. 12

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

e are very grateful to be the first organisation to receive support from Project Penguin, a conservation programme implemented by Hull’s world-class aquarium, The Deep. This new initiative was set up to support efforts to conserve the world’s wild penguin populations and coincides with the opening of the aquarium’s Gentoo penguin exhibit, the first Antarctic penguin display in the north of England. The exhibit, which is themed around Grytviken, an abandoned whaling port in South Georgia, opened at the beginning of March and allows visitors fantastic views of the penguins across three floors. The Deep is also home to over 3,500 fish, including Europe’s only pair of green sawfish and as a registered education and conservation charity, is well worth a visit. To learn more, go to thedeep.co.uk

Text “PENG30 £5” to donate £5 to the Galapagos Penguin Appeal, or visit penguinappeal.org

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PROJECT

UPDATES

by Jen Jones

THE FIGHT

AGAINST PHILORNIS

URING THE LAST 15 YEARS, the warbler finch (Certhidea spp.) population

HE UNIQUE WILDLIFE OF GALAPAGOS has inspired scientists to form ideas that have changed our very understanding

of life on Earth. The fascinating history of the Islands, from their volcanic origins to human discovery, settlement and development, evokes stories that capture the imagination. The challenges we face in trying to ensure a sustainable future for this unique place are unquestionably relevant on a global scale and make Galapagos and how we manage it a model for the world.

It is therefore no surprise that Galapagos generates fascinating content to link to today’s UK and Ecuadorian curricula. Discovering Galapagos is a pioneering educational programme produced by GCT that aims to provide innovative outreach to a global audience on all things Galapagos. By enthusing today’s students through interactive, engaging content, we want to inspire tomorrow’s conservation ambassadors – the future stewards of our planet. The hub of the programme will be two websites – one adapted for the UK audience and one for an Ecuadorian audience. A bilingual blog will unite these two sites, enabling users to share classwork, take part in Q&A sessions with Galapagos experts via Skype in the Classroom and also to connect with each other to discover what life is like in very different environments. As well as tailoring Galapagos-themed content to the curriculum with the help

of the Royal Geographical Society, the websites will be a great platform to showcase the conservation projects that are going on right now in the Islands. With this in mind, we have designed the website to be accessible by anyone with an interest in Galapagos and not solely geared to students and teachers. All of the resources, such as teaching materials, online interactive activities and quizzes, will be completely free. We are looking forward to launching the website in September 2014 to coincide with the launch of the new national curriculum. Save the date: 28 October 2014 – Re-Discovering Galapagos Day. Join us for the return of GCT’s annual Galapagos Day with a twist at the Royal Geographical Society. Think you have already discovered Galapagos? Find out more on p. 22. Begin your journey by watching our introductory animation and signing up for the Discovering Galapagos newsletter at discoveringgalapagos.org.uk. ■

has experienced a dramatic decline in the Scalesia forests (45% loss) and agricultural areas (85% loss) of Santa Cruz. If the current rate of decline continues, there are worries that this small land bird may become extinct within the next 100 years. Worryingly, this trend appears to be typical of some of Galapagos’ other insectivorous passerines such as the woodpecker finch, yellow warbler and vermilion flycatcher. A major factor in this decline is undoubtedly the effect of the introduced fly Philornis downsi, the larvae of which are obligate parasites of land bird fledglings. Over the last few years, GCT has supported several projects aiming to increase our understanding of the fly’s biology and thus produce an effective control plan to minimise its impact on Galapagos bird species. This latest project aims to investigate whether environmental factors affect the degree of parasitism. Dr Sabine Tebbich, an expert in the field of Galapagos land bird ecology, and her team hypothesise that two major factors may affect the degree of parasitism: extreme climatic conditions (such as heavy rains or drought) and/or the control of invasive plant species with herbicides. Both of these factors could result in a change in food abundance or diversity. Efforts to control the highly invasive Himalayan hill raspberry (Rubus

niveus) in the humid Scalesia forests involve either manual removal or the use of herbicides, both of which can be damaging to the understory habitat in which the warbler finches like to forage. With less food, fledglings that are already weakened from Philornis infestations are much less likely to survive. This study will test these hypotheses and study the effect of invasive plant control on the food supply of the warbler finch. The results will then feed in to management strategies for the Scalesia forests of Santa Cruz to ensure that we can control both of these highly damaging invaders with the lowest impact on vulnerable endemic species. ■ From top: The warbler finch (Certhidea olivacea) from the Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle. Himalayan hill raspberry. © Ian Dunn Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz. © Godfrey Merlen.

ARE YOU A TEACHER? WE NEED YOU!

re you interested in how you can include Galapagos conservation themes in your planning for the new Key Stage 2 & 3 curriculum? Are you willing to lend your expertise to help us develop this project to achieve the maximum impact? We are appealing to our members with educational connections to get in touch and help us to road test the website in June and July and help us to reach as many people as possible. If you are interested in supporting this new initiative, please visit discoveringgalapagos.org.uk to sign up to our emailing list and help us make a difference to conservation education both here and in Galapagos.

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

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MANGROVE FINCH: SAVING A SPECIES

MANGROVE FINCH:

SAVING A

SPECIES “C

AN YOU SEE SOMETHING NOW?” Swaying near the top of a mangrove tree, I shout down hopefully to my companion far below. I am holding a four-metrelong pole fitted with a camera, trying to direct it into the entrance of a mangrove finch nest that’s perched on the end of a distant branch. The lens needs to be close enough to get footage but not so close it disturbs the nest and its contents. My arm is tiring fast. © MICHAEL DVORAK

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

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MANGROVE FINCH: SAVING A SPECIES

REARING FINCHES by Richard Switzer

The last stand of the mangrove finch. Playa Tortuga Negra is in the foreground and the smaller site of Caleta Black is in the distance. © Francesca Cunninghame.

We arrived at this tree more than two hours earlier and began to set up the climbing rig, using a sling shot to fire nylon ropes into the canopy. The mangrove finch pair is fairly accepting of me as I climb upwards, the female initially perching curiously on the camera pole. She’s now moved off to a nearby branch to watch the drama unfold. “To the right,” comes the reply from Romy Russek, my assistant during this field trip who is stationed in front of the monitor more than 17 metres beneath me. “Further up. Down a bit.” This goes on for what feels like an age, my stamina draining as a gentle wind moves the branch to and fro. “There,” shouts Romy. “I can see them. There are chicks. They’re alive!” It is April 2013 and we have got it: the first few fleeting seconds of footage, the first time anyone has filmed mangrove finch chicks in the nest. It is with a mixture of relief and anticipation that I gently abseil to the ground to join her. Back in camp, we sit in the shade to replay the footage. What we have captured seems so brief and so blurred, but we are able to confirm that there are two live and apparently healthy chicks in this nest. For the future of the mangove finch, by far the rarest of Darwin’s finches and one of the most range-restricted birds in the world, every breeding attempt matters. We are so elated that we break into fits of laughter. Current estimates put the population at somewhere between 60 and 80 individuals, all of them found within two tiny patches of mangrove forest on the west coast of Isabela. In the past, the mangrove finch has been recorded on Fernandina and, until 2009, at another site on the east of Isabela. But since all efforts to locate these birds have failed, we must assume that

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

the entire range of this species is split between Playa Tortuga Negra and the slightly smaller site at Caleta Black around 5 km to the north. In 2013, these two sites held just 14 pairs that attempted to breed. The most immediate and serious threats to the survival of the mangrove finch come from two invasive species: black rats and the parasitic fly Philornis downsi. Permanent bait stations installed throughout the mangrove forest (as part of the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Foundation’s Mangrove Finch Project) have significantly reduced rat predation and resulted in an increase in the number of nests from which one or more offspring fledge. But the parasitic fly Philornis, first recorded in Galapagos in the 1960s, is still a huge problem. It is now known to affect at least 17 bird species endemic to Galapagos, female flies laying their eggs in nests and the larvae feeding on the blood of nestlings. In the case of the mangrove finch, Philornis infestations in 2013 resulted in the death of over one third of all nestlings. What can be done? CDF and its international collaborators are currently developing methods of controlling Philornis that do not harm the birds, but this is likely to take several years to perfect. In the meantime, one of the key goals of the Mangrove Finch Project is to establish populations at other suitable sites within the species’ historical range, an achievement that would reduce the risk of extinction dramatically. This is far from easy. In 2010, we carried out a trial translocation, moving nine birds from Playa Tortuga Negra to a stand of suitable forest some 25 km to the south, but found that none of the individuals stayed at the release site for more than six months and

several returned to their native territory. We obviously need a different approach. Thankfully, our data on nesting success have suggested what this might be. The mangrove finch breeds between January and May, but clutches laid in the first few months of the season have a very high failure rate. In 2013, for instance, 95% of early nests did not succeed in producing a single fledgling. It’s a dismal statistic, but one that presents an opportunity. In February this year, in collaboration with San Diego Zoo, we collected eggs from nests with a view to incubating them artificially and rearing the chicks by hand in a specially adapted quarantine room at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Once at the fledgling stage, we will take them to aviaries stationed within the mangrove forest at Playa Tortuga Negra, where they can acclimatise to the habitat before being released. The mangrove finch typically lays a clutch of two eggs, and we are hoping that through this intervention we will double the number of fledglings in 2014, with humans rearing the early clutches and the birds rearing chicks later in the season. If we succeed, it will be possible to think again about further translocations, either moving some of these recruits to a new site or, in future seasons, carrying out the hand-rearing step within the new territory, which may make them more likely to stay. If these seem like extraordinary measures, it is because the mangrove finch finds itself in such an extraordinarily perilous position. It is only with this kind of intensive conservation action that this species – one of the most specialised of Darwin’s finches – stands any chance of survival. ■

The mangrove finch is by far the rarest of Darwin’s finches and one of the most range-restricted birds in the world

PON REACHING GALAPAGOS IN JANUARY, one of my first tasks was to work with CDF to establish an artificial propagation facility at the research station in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. San Diego Zoo’s Avian Propagation Center is one of the world leaders in the incubation and hand-rearing of a range of bird species – from hummingbirds to harpy eagles. Our Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program also specialises in the rearing of small songbirds. Our collaboration on the Mangrove Finch Project is an exciting opportunity to assist with the conservation of this critically endangered species. We were able to provide much of the specialist equipment, like incubators and brooders, and advise on what food items to feed the chicks. In addition, as many of the passerines around Puerto Ayora are infected with avian pox, it was vital to establish quarantine conditions in which to rear the chicks, minimising the risk that they carry the disease with them back to Playa Tortuga Negra when they are eventually released. Our egg and chick room is installed with an “air lock” vestibule, which includes a fly-zapper to prevent the entry of mosquitoes, the most common vector of the pox virus. Amongst a complex web of challenging logistics, the eggs rescued from early nests are transported to Puerto Ayora in portable incubators via helicopter or boat. At the time of writing, the first eggs and nestlings are installed in their incubators and brooders at the research station and we are busy monitoring the development of embryos and nurturing the tiny chicks. This first year of activities is considered a pilot. We nervously wait to see whether all our efforts will be successful… ■

SPRING | SUMMER 2014

MEMBERSHIP

GLOBAL RELEVANCE

HOOKED ON

by Victoria Creyton

NATURE By Kelvin Boot

GCT TEAMS UP WITH BOOK BUS ON UK TOUR

AM TOLD THAT I WAS HOOKED ON NATURE FROM THE MOMENT I COULD WALK AND TALK. I grew up in the English Midlands and by the time I was ten, there wasn’t a bird or butterfly in the vicinity that I couldn’t identify, nor a fish or fossil about which I couldn’t tell a tale. I can remember a primary school teacher pointing out that there were books other than ‘bird books’. We compromised on Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals! I am fortunate. Not only has the love of nature stayed with me, it has given me a career as a communicator that has taken me to exotic locations, introduced me to fascinating people and enabled me to see more of the natural world than I could ever have dreamt of. Until recently, however, the Galapagos stubbornly evaded my career-driven perambulations. I first became aware of these islands when I was very young, probably not yet into double figures. If my memory is not being overly nostalgic, it was marine iguanas and giant tortoises taunting me from the pages of one of my first animal books that planted the seed of a trip to Galapagos. This seed was still germinating when GCT approached me to accompany their first ever Supporters’ Cruise to the Islands last November as guest lecturer. It took me all of ten seconds to say yes. I understood the Galapagos to be iconic. I appreciated that the Archipelago is a living laboratory. I knew all there was to know about the wildlife. I knew what to expect. I had known since I was a child. The reality, however, was beyond my most fertile imagination. The extraordinary experiences clamber over each other in my mind: being escorted by designer-billed finches; sharing a trail with lumbering tortoises; picking my way through nesting balloonthroated frigate birds; swimming with turtles; peering down on an iguana feasting on submarine algae; being joined by diving penguins; watching circling sharks; playing with corkscrewing sea-lions; and much more besides. What kind of naturalist would I have grown into if this had been the natural classroom of my youth? I have been to some amazing parts of the world

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

but have often been disappointed by the absence of young naturalists scampering along stream beds, shinning up trees or climbing down into caves. There have been exceptions of course, and I recall diving to retrieve tagged spiny lobsters with a group of teenagers in Belize. Until they were taken under the wing of a keen naturalist, they were young adults in the process of going off the rails. Yet by the time I arrived, they had become keen custodians of the crustaceans hidden away on the seabed. I had a similar encounter in the rainforests of Dominica in the Caribbean, where another group of youngsters delighted in showing me giant frogs, tree-living iguanas and the world’s smallest lizard no bigger than a finger nail. If we are to protect the biodiversity hotspots of the planet then it is crucial that the local youth should be passionate advocates of their local wildlife. In Galapagos, whilst walking along a trail on Isabela with Felipe Cruz of the Charles Darwin Foundation, we began talking about just this challenge. He was concerned that the young people of Galapagos were largely unaware of the treasure house that is their home. According to the most recent census (in 2010), there are now more than 25,000 people living in Galapagos, of which there are around 5,000 school-age children. Do they appreciate the paradise that surrounds them as much as Felipe and as much as me?

Education has to be key. Yet according to the Galapagos Conservancy (GCT’s counterpart in the US), environmental themes “have not been integrated into the curriculum and teachers are not taking sufficient advantage of the physical surroundings as a natural history laboratory.” Access into the wild areas, nature mentors and suitable supporting materials are all lacking, according to Felipe. But things are set to change. In addition to GCT’s Discovering Galapagos project (see p. 14), the GCT-funded visitor centre at the Charles Darwin Research Station should make a huge difference to the environmental awareness of schoolchildren, both within the Islands and visiting from abroad. This is only the beginning. Felipe also dreams that, one day, there might be funding available for “offduty” tourist vessels to ferry school trips to some of the more inaccessible locations, widening the horizons of these children to encompass other islands in the Archipelago. My early education came from a blend of books, visits to museums and wild adventures through the undergrowth. Surely, education like this will help to place the precious Galapagos environment at the heart of Galapagos life, inspiring the next generation to get behind the conservation of these wonderful islands. ■

Y PENGUIN FEEDBACK

hank you to all the members who sent us images and stories about your experiences with Galapagos penguins. It’s always great to hear first-hand accounts of Galapagos and its incredible wildlife, especially from our valued supporters. Do keep them coming. We would like to share with you one of our favourite contributions, one of a series of photographs taken by Professor William Hale during his visit to the Islands in 2009. It’s rare enough to catch a glimpse of these charismatic creatures let alone witness their feeding behaviour in full flow. Thank you again for all your contributions.

REVIEWS THE MAKING OF GALAPAGOS

THE GALAPAGOS:

A NATURAL HISTORY

by Henry Nicholls, Profile Books, 2014, £15.99, ISBN 9781781250532

nformative and succinct, fascinating and easy to read, The Galapagos: A Natural History is an absolute ‘must read’ whether you are a first time visitor or an ‘old hand’ with an on-going interest in the Archipelago. With a logical evolution in its structure, you first visit Galapagos from a geological perspective, then delve into its unique marine environment before engaging with the major taxa of the terrestrial habitats and finally, the arrival and impact of humans. There is something for everyone in The Galapagos: A Natural History – a book that does exactly what is says on the cover. Reviewed by Ian Dunn

SIGNED COPIES AVAILABLE - SEE PAYMENT FORM

ou may have read in the last magazine that we have teamed up with the UK charity The Book Bus, an organisation that aims to improve literacy rates amongst children in developing countries and is due to begin work in Galapagos this year. In March, GCT joined the Book Bus team on the road visiting schools in the UK and Ecuador. We attended several classes and ran half-day workshops that included interactive activities and talks from both organisations. During these sessions we gave overviews of Charles Darwin, Galapagos wildlife and the daily lives of the humans that live there. Where possible these workshops were followed by a Skype session with an Ecuadorian school, much to the excitement of all participants. It was fantastic to meet some of our junior supporters and future conservation ambassadors and as this magazine goes to print we are in the midst of setting up a similar set of visits in Galapagos. If you are interested in volunteering with The Book Bus, either in the UK or Galapagos, or if you would like GCT and The Book Bus to visit your school please do get in touch (victoria@gct.org).

THE FINCHES OF DAPHNE MAJOR

40 YEARS OF EVOLUTION:

DARWIN’S FINCHES ON DAPHNE MAJOR ISLAND

by Peter R. Grant and B. Rosemary Grant, Princeton University Press, 2014, £34.95, ISBN 9780691160467

n this meticulous new book, evolutionary biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant set out their lifetime’s work studying the finches of Daphne Major. This is a major contribution to the Galapagos and scientific literature, a richly illustrated book that ties together the many different lines of their scientific enquiry, including botany, morphology, behaviour, genetics and much more besides. The number of profound insights that the Grants have managed to glean from an island as small as Daphne Major is truly remarkable, their evidence for evolution by natural selection as sparklingly clear as the waters that surround it. Reviewed by Henry Nicholls SPRING | SUMMER 2014

EVENTS

SUPPORTER

CRUISE

oin us for an exclusive evening this summer with famous CEO, author and whistleblower, Michael Woodford at one of London’s premiere private residences, Bridgewater House. Michael became the first non-Japanese president and CEO of the Olympus Corporation in 2011, but soon uncovered and exposed a $1.7 billion accounting fraud. He has been awarded an MBE for his work in enhancing road safety and was voted “Businessperson of the Year” in 2011 by three British newspapers. Having returned from a recent trip to Galapagos, Michael said: “The Galapagos is a remarkable place; a reminder of how the natural world once was. It is a part of our planet worth working hard to conserve and I am delighted that through speaking on behalf of the Galapagos Conservation Trust at the Bridgewater House event, I am able to contribute to this end”. We are thrilled to be hosting such an inspirational speaker in this stunning Victorian mansion overlooking Green Park. The black-tie fundraising event will include a drinks reception and dinner in the beautifully restored Great Hall; a captivating speech by Michael Woodford who will share his insights from the Olympus scandal; and an auction led by the Honourable Simon Carr. Tickets are priced at £200 for individual supporters and £250 for corporate supporters.*

*prices vary due to GiftAid regulations – to maximise the income from this fundraising event individual tickets are split at £100 with a £100 GiftAid-able donation (please specify if you do not qualify for GiftAid). Corporate tickets are at a higher rate as we are not able to claim GiftAid donations from these.

GALAPAGOS MATTERS

RE-DISCOVERING GALAPAGOS DAY 28 OCTOBER 2014 – 1 KENSINGTON GORE, LONDON

hink you’ve discovered Galapagos? Think again! We are pleased to announce the return of Galapagos Day this year after a two year break. In partnership with the Royal Geographic Society (RGS) we will be showcasing our exciting new interactive web-based resource Discovering Galapagos in a unique event format. Attendees will embark on a one-of-a-kind journey of discovery around the prestigious RGS building travelling through special zones matched to aspects of the project. Exhibits will offer a range of material from digital interactive activities from the Discovering Galapagos website through to historical memorabilia from the voyage of the Beagle. Members of the 1972 Cambridge and London Galapagos Islands Expedition (CALGIE) will be in attendance and an interesting display will demonstrate how far research techniques and technology have come over the past 40 years.

There will also be the opportunity to attend a suite of talks on a range of topics by experts in their field. Already on the line up are Dr Jason Ali, Associate Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Hong Kong, who will talk about his recent research exploring the role that sea level change has had on the biodiversity of Galapagos; Kelvin Boot, author, editor and BBC Radio 4 broadcaster (see p. 20), who will discuss the importance of education for conservation both in Galapagos and on a global level; and David Gordon, Director of The Book Bus Foundation, who will speak of his work in Galapagos to improve child literacy rates and the upcoming joint project with GCT. We hope to see as many of our members as possible at this event to join us in re-discovering Galapagos and the essential mix of science, education and culture that is essential for its sustainable future. Tickets are priced at £20 when booking in advance, or £25 on the door.

Tickets and Enquiries Tickets to both events can be purchased using the payment form attached to the back page, or by phoning 020 7399 7440. For all enquiries, please contact the office by phone, or email gct@gct.org.

BRIDGEWATER HOUSE WITH MICHAEL WOODFORD 10 JUNE 2014 – 14 CLEVELAND ROAD, WESTMINSTER

CT invites you to experience the wonders of Galapagos on one of its exclusive annual cruises. After an incredible trip in 2013, we are thrilled to have secured dates for both our 2014 and 2015 trips. To receive an e-brochure or make a booking, please contact the GCT office on 020 7399 7440 or email gct@gct.org. 22 NOV - 01 DEC 2014 On this year’s adventure you will be accompanied by GCT’s Chief Executive Ian Dunn and marine biologist Professor Nicholas Owens. The 10-day tour will begin in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito and include eight days aboard the stunning yacht, Majestic. You will have the opportunity to explore the western islands of Galapagos and enjoy daily excursions including hiking to the summit of Bartolome, visiting the pristine landscape of Fernandina, snorkelling with penguins near Isabela and walking amongst swathes of sea lions on Lobos Island. Limited to just 12 guests, this bespoke expedition is a fantastic way to witness first-hand some of the incredible landscapes and unique wildlife that the Archipelago has to offer. 02 - 11 MAY 2015 Our 2015 trip will take in the Archipelago’s eastern islands. On this 10-day adventure you will be joined by Kelvin Boot, a writer and broadcaster for BBC Radio 4’s Shared Planet. Your tour will begin in Quito, the best-preserved city in Latin America, and include an 8-day cruise aboard the Majestic. You will visit seven of the eastern Galapagos Islands and enjoy daily trips which include hiking to the salt-water lagoon on Floreana to see flamingos, visiting the breeding site of the world’s largest waved albatross population on Espanola, swimming with sea lions in Gardner Bay and snorkelling amongst beautiful reef fish off the white sandy beaches of Genovesa. With spaces limited to just 12 guests, this tailor-made tour is a perfect way to see Galapagos for the first time or a great chance to see the Islands in a new way.

GALAPAGOS ADOPTION PACKS A

dopting a Galapagos penguin, giant tortoise or hammerhead shark is a great way to help conserve these threatened species and the islands they call home. Following your feedback we have redesigned our Galapagos wildlife adoptions, which now come with a newly styled certificate, a collectable fact file and regular emails to keep you up to date with the species you have sponsored.

£25

DIGITAL ADOPTION

£40 POSTAL ADOPTION

• • • •

Digital personalised certificate Digital print-ready species fact file Email updates every six months Available worldwide

• Personalised certificate • Species fact file • Fridge magnet • Cuddlekins toy (shark and tortoise) or hardback book (penguin) • Email updates every six months • Available in the UK only

SPRING 2014

The legacy of one manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to Galapagos changed the world... what will be your legacy?

Remembering Galapagos and the work of GCT in your Will is one of the most valuable ways you can show your support. Leaving a legacy enables GCT to commit to protecting the wildlife and habitats of Galapagos well into the future. GCT is working with solicitors around the country to offer a simple Will-writing service at no cost on the understanding that a donation or legacy is made to GCT. More complex Wills and Will-writing could incur extra costs.

and speak to Ian on 020 7399 7440.

savegalapagos.org