Santa Cruz Island
The main topic of discussion today was conservation. The island of Santa Cruz has a population estimated close to ten thousand people, and most of them are gathered at the southern end of the island in a charming little town called Puerto Ayora. Puerto Ayora is the headquarters of the National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station. This morning, our destination was the CDRS to encounter the mystical and mythical giant Galapagos tortoises.
The Charles Darwin Research Station is dedicated to the research and protection of the native flora and fauna of the archipelago. To achieve this main goal, CDRS must first understand the dynamics of the different populations of animals and their interactions with the ecosystem.
Thus far, the conservation efforts have been quite successful. Several populations of animals, notably tortoises and land iguanas, that were once considered endangered have been restored to their natural ecosystems and will eventually reach their original numbers. Others are still in the process of being “saved” from the alien species that are affecting them. The most important thing however, is that we are aware of the problems and we are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve our goals. It is encouraging that there are so many people eager to help and to pass along the message of the importance of conservation in Galapagos. Many understand and support the significance of preserving these magical islands for the benefit of future generations.
The main topic of discussion today was conservation. The island of Santa Cruz has a population estimated close to ten thousand people, and most of them are gathered at the southern end of the island in a charming little town called Puerto Ayora. Puerto Ayora is the headquarters of the National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station. This morning, our destination was the CDRS to encounter the mystical and mythical giant Galapagos tortoises.
The Charles Darwin Research Station is dedicated to the research and protection of the native flora and fauna of the archipelago. To achieve this main goal, CDRS must first understand the dynamics of the different populations of animals and their interactions with the ecosystem.
Thus far, the conservation efforts have been quite successful. Several populations of animals, notably tortoises and land iguanas, that were once considered endangered have been restored to their natural ecosystems and will eventually reach their original numbers. Others are still in the process of being “saved” from the alien species that are affecting them. The most important thing however, is that we are aware of the problems and we are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve our goals. It is encouraging that there are so many people eager to help and to pass along the message of the importance of conservation in Galapagos. Many understand and support the significance of preserving these magical islands for the benefit of future generations.
