In the Galapagos Islands, invasive species have a negative effect on the ecosystem. These foreign species have caused the extinction of native animals and are disrupting unique ecosystems that have developed over thousands of years. Furthermore, their impact on agriculture and livestock is devastating, causing damage to crops and transmitting zoonotic diseases to farm animals and humans. The eradication of these invasive species is essential to restore the natural balance, protect native species, and improve the quality of life for the inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands.
The removal of invasive species is crucial to protect biodiversity and the islands. Successful experiences in the Galapagos and worldwide demonstrate that this is effective and beneficial in the long term. Eradication is a priority for Floreana and the Galapagos National Park, as invasive species threaten the natural life and human activities on the islands.
Floreana has been prioritized because: • It has the highest concentration of threatened species in the Galapagos (55 according to the UICN). • In the archipelago, there are no other inhabited or uninhabited islands where eradications of invasive predators (rodents) are feasible with the currently available technology. • It offers the opportunity to reintroduce 12 locally extinct flagship species. • Social conditions are favorable, as the community has been involved in a co-design process since 2012.
The goal is to restore the ecosystem of Floreana Island to preserve its unique biodiversity. This will be achieved by eradicating invasive rodents and feral cats and promoting sustainable development through agriculture and tourism. Additionally, the biosecurity of the archipelago will be strengthened to protect at least 55 threatened species, reintroduce 12 locally extinct species, and enable their natural regeneration, in order to achieve the ecological restoration of the island.
The Floreana Project is divided into three phases: Planning, Execution, and Restoration. The planning phase, which began in 2012, has lasted for 11 years and included community participation and the preparation of all necessary plans. By the third quarter of 2023, it is expected that all studies will be completed, and the necessary infrastructure will have been finished. The execution phase, which started on May 20, 2023, will last approximately 6 months and involves strengthening cargo infrastructure and solid waste management on Floreana. Additionally, the eradication of rodents and feral cats will take place, starting in the last quarter of 2023, using both aerial and manual bait dispersion across the entire island. Finally, the species reintroduction phase is scheduled to begin in 2024 and is expected to last approximately 10 years.
Three methods were used to apply bait in Floreana: aerial dispersion in rural and protected areas, manual dispersion in urban and excluded areas, and bait stations for rodents. After the eradication of rodents, bait will be applied to eliminate feral cats through three aerial rounds.