Marine iguanas have lower metabolic rates during El Niño
Marine iguanas of the Galápagos (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) are the only lizard species in the world that feeds in the ocean, relying almost exclusively on algae. During the El Niño climate event, rising ocean temperatures reduce the availability of this food source, leading to periods of scarcity. This research examines how these climatic changes affect their physiology and body condition.
High-Quality De Novo Genome Assembly for the Galápagos Endemic Lava Gull Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies
The lava gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus), an endemic species of the Galápagos Islands, is the rarest gull in the world, with an estimated population of 300 to 600 individuals, making it a conservation priority.
Balancing post-pandemic recovery and resilience in the Galápagos: how beliefs in ecosystem fragility impact residents’ attitudes toward tourism and conservation knowledge and compliance
This research examines the challenges faced by the Galápagos Archipelago in the context of post–COVID-19 tourism recovery, as well as the need to balance economic development with the conservation of a highly fragile ecosystem.
REACCT+ Drives Local Business Development in the Galápagos
Through financial support of universities and the private sector, the REACCT+ project is strengthening six local businesses on San Cristóbal Island.
2025 Christmas Newsletter and Annual Impact Report
During this special season, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We invite you to explore the news, insights, and achievements that reflect our collective efforts to strengthen conservation and promote sustainable development in the Galápagos Archipelago, a Natural World Heritage Site.
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.
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.
Scientists Study the Impact of Ocean Processes on Marine Biodiversity in the Galápagos
From July 30 to August 21, a scientific expedition was carried out aboard the research vessel R/V Marcus Langseth in the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR), led by researchers Adrian Marchetti and Harvey Seim of UNC and the GSC.
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.
