Genomic and biogeographic patterns of endemic geckos in the Galapagos Islands reveal population structure and species delimitation on inhabited islands
Oceanic islands such as Galápagos are privileged settings for studying how species originate and diverge. In this context, the endemic geckos of the genus Phyllodactylus play an important ecological role and, at the same time, remain poorly known from a genetic perspective.
Animals and Land Cover/Land Use Change: A Remote Sensing – Galápagos Islands Assessment
The ecosystems of Galápagos are in constant transformation due to the interaction between natural processes, animals, and human activities. This research analyzes how different species, both native and introduced, influence the islands’ landscape through their movements, feeding habits, and behavior, and how these changes can be observed using digital environmental monitoring tools.
Reproductive timing and intensity in a Galápagos intertidal mollusc are modulated by thermal phases
This study analyzes how variations in sea temperature influence the reproduction of the canchalagua (Radsia goodallii), an endemic mollusk of the Galápagos Islands with ecological and socio-economic importance for local artisanal fisheries. Understanding its reproductive patterns is essential for developing management and conservation strategies that ensure the sustainability of the species.
Exploring pathogenic fungi to control the invasive plant Rubus niveus on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos
The invasive bramble (Rubus niveus) is one of the main threats to the native flora of the Galápagos Islands. It currently occupies around 30,000 hectares in the highlands, where it displaces native vegetation and affects biodiversity.
First Report of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Galapagos: High Prevalence in Dogs and Circumstantial Evidence for the Role of Rhipicephalus linnaei as Vector
The Galápagos Islands host a unique biodiversity but face increasing threats from emerging diseases. Among them, tick-borne pathogens such as Anaplasma spp. are of concern due to their potential impact on both domestic animals and wildlife. Understanding their presence and transmission dynamics is essential for conservation and public health.
Drivers of Marine Phytoplankton Diversity and Connectivity in the Galápagos Archipelago Spanning an ENSO Cycle
Phytoplankton form the foundation of marine food webs, and their diversity strongly influences ocean ecosystem health. In the Galápagos Islands, ocean currents and climate variability linked to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) shape these communities, driving changes in productivity and connectivity.
Heterogeneous preferences for cleaner maritime transportation in the tourism sector: A choice experiment from the Galápagos Islands
Maritime transport is essential for tourism in the Galápagos Islands, but it also represents a significant source of pollution.This study explores tourists’ willingness to pay for cleaner propulsion technologies, electric and hybrid, as alternatives to internal combustion engines, aiming to promote more sustainable tourism in this fragile ecosystem.
Exploring the trophic strategies of two large pelagic species inhabiting the Galapagos Marine Reserve
A new study conducted in the Galápagos Marine Reserve analyzed the diets of two pelagic species: the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and the dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus). The aim was to understand how these populations, which share the same ecosystem, manage to coexist without directly competing for food.
Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets
An international team of over 400 scientists, including Alex Hearn, professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito and researcher at the Galapagos Science Center, tracked more than 12,000 marine animals via satellite. The goal of this global effort was to accurately identify migratory routes and key areas used by different species for feeding, breeding, or movement, in order to generate essential information for their conservation.
First epidemiological survey of Toxoplasma Gondii in Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki)
In this study, the exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated for the first time in Galápagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki), a vulnerable and endemic species. Through serological, molecular, and histopathological analyses of samples from both live animals and carcasses, a high seroprevalence was identified in juveniles (79%), along with the presence of parasitic DNA in lung tissues.
