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Genomes of Galápagos Mockingbirds Reveal the Impact of Island Size and Past Demography on Inbreeding and Genetic Load in Contemporary Populations

Publications

The species inhabiting oceanic islands have been fundamental in the study of evolution. Due to their isolation, these populations tend to have smaller sizes and lower genetic diversity compared to their mainland relatives. This can lead to negative effects such as the accumulation of harmful mutations and inbreeding (mating between genetically related individuals), which threatens their survival. The Galápagos mockingbirds (Mimus spp.) represent an ideal case to analyze the relationship between the size of the island they inhabit and genetic variations in their populations.

Genomes of Galápagos Mockingbirds Reveal the Impact of Island Size and Past Demography on Inbreeding and Genetic Load in Contemporary Populations Read More »

Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination

Publications

The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens; MFB) is a seabird found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the Galápagos Islands, the endemic subspecies Fregata magnificens magnificens inhabits the archipelago. This study presents, for the first time, the hematological and blood biochemical values of this population in the region.

Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination Read More »

Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapágos

Publications

Endemic species of the Galápagos Islands are vulnerable to newly introduced pathogens, often transmitted through invasive hosts. One example is invasive parasitic arthropods, whose evolutionary success is linked to their association with domestic animals present in the archipelago. This interaction poses a significant risk, as these parasites can switch hosts and facilitate pathogen transmission between domestic and wild species.

Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapágos Read More »

Ontogenetic feeding shifts in two thresher shark species in the Galapagos Marine

Publications

Thresher sharks are key predators in the marine ecosystems of the Tropical Pacific Ocean, playing a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance. They primarily feed on squid and small fish. This study aims to assess possible ontogenetic changes in the feeding habits and habitat use of two thresher shark species (Alopias pelagicus) and (Alopias superciliosus) inhabiting the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR), aspects that remain poorly understood in the region.

Ontogenetic feeding shifts in two thresher shark species in the Galapagos Marine Read More »

Molecular Discovery of Filarial Nematode DNA in an Endangered Wild Pinniped (Galapagos Sea Lion, Zalophus wollebaeki)

Publications

Environmental changes contribute to the arrival of non-native species and their pathogens in sensitive ecosystems such as the Galápagos Islands. This poses a significant risk to the archipelago’s unique species, including the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki), an endemic and endangered animal that faces the threat of contracting diseases from introduced domestic animals.

Molecular Discovery of Filarial Nematode DNA in an Endangered Wild Pinniped (Galapagos Sea Lion, Zalophus wollebaeki) Read More »

Commentary: “Addressing illegal longlining and ghost fishing in the Galapagos marine reserve: an overview of challenges and potential solutions”

Publications

The commentary on the article “Addressing illegal longlining and ghost fishing in the Galapagos marine reserve: an overview of challenges and potential solutions” by Alex Hearn and Santiago Bucaram questions the proposal to develop an open water tuna fishery, warning about the risks of legalizing harmful fishing practices for the marine ecosystem. Additionally, they analyze the challenges faced by the Galapagos due to the use of illegal longlines.

Commentary: “Addressing illegal longlining and ghost fishing in the Galapagos marine reserve: an overview of challenges and potential solutions” Read More »

Nutrient enrichment can increase the thermal performance of Galápagos seaweeds

Publications

This study, published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, examines how nutrient availability can help marine macroalgae in the Galápagos Islands better adapt to higher temperatures—a challenge they face due to climate change. Macroalgae are essential aquatic plants for marine ecosystems as they provide food and shelter for many species. However, their ability to survive and thrive largely depends on environmental conditions, such as the amount of nutrients in the water.

Nutrient enrichment can increase the thermal performance of Galápagos seaweeds Read More »

Ladybird Beetle Diversity in Natural and Human-Modified Habitats in the San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador

Publications

This study investigates the diversity of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Archipelago. Researchers recorded 19 species, including four previously documented (two endemic and two native) and nine potentially native species reported for the first time. Endemic species, such as Psyllobora bisigma and Scymnobius scalesius, were rare and confined to native forests, while native species like Cycloneda sanguinea showed adaptability to various habitats, including urban and agricultural areas.

Ladybird Beetle Diversity in Natural and Human-Modified Habitats in the San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Read More »

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In 2022, the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and the broader UNC & USFQ Galapagos Initiative will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. We are proud to announce the World Summit on Island Sustainability scheduled to be held on June 26–30, 2022 at the Galapagos Science Center and the Community Convention Center on San Cristobal Island.

The content of the World Summit will be distributed globally through social media and results documented through papers published in a book written as part of the Galapagos Book Series by Springer Nature and edited by Steve Walsh (UNC) & Carlos Mena (USFQ) as well as Jill Stewart (UNC) and Juan Pablo Muñoz (GSC/USC). The book will be inclusive and accessible by the broader island community including scientists, managers, residents, tourists, and government and non-government organizations.

While the most obvious goal of organizing the World Summit on Island Sustainability is to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the GSC and the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, other goals will be addressed through special opportunities created as part of our operational planning of the World Summit.

For instance, we seek to elevate and highlight the Galapagos in the island conservation discourse, seeking to interact with other island networks in more obvious and conspicuous ways to benefit the Galapagos Islands, the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, and the world. We will seize the opportunity to further develop the I2N2 – International Islands Network-of-Networks. Further, we wish to highlight and emphasize multiple visions of a sustainable future for the Galapagos Islands and we cannot do this alone. Therefore, engaging the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government Council of Galapagos, the Galapagos National Park, and local Galapagos authorities, including government and non-government organizations and local citizen groups, is imperative.

The Galapagos Science Center on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Borrowing from Hawaii’s and Guam’s Green Growth Program and the Global Island Partnership, we wish to examine existing global programs that emphasize island sustainability and their incorporation into life, policies, and circumstances in the Galapagos Islands. We will also seek to enhance our connections with the institutional members of our International Galapagos Science Consortium and expand the Consortium through the recruitment of other member institutions. We will also work to benefit islands and their local communities by working with citizen groups as well as important NGOs who seek to improve the natural conditions in the Galapagos and diminish the impact of the human dimension on the future of Galapagos’ ecosystems.

Lastly, we will use the World Summit to benefit UNC & USFQ and our constituencies through a strong and vibrant communication plan about the World Summit, creating corporate relationships as sponsors, identifying funding goals through donors, and benefiting our study abroad program for student engagement in the Galapagos Islands. We plan to develop and issue a Galapagos Sustainability Communique after the World Summit that includes the vision and insights of all its participants for a sustainable Galapagos with applicability to global island settings.

We are eager to hear your perspective and have you join us at the World Summit on Island Sustainability!