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Noisy intruders threaten the balance of the Galápagos Islands

Due to their isolation from the mainland, amphibians were unable to reach the Galápagos Islands for thousands of years. However, a small but extremely adaptable species of frog has now spread across the islands – with far-reaching consequences for the native wildlife. The tree frog Scinax quinquefasciatus, originally from Ecuador, was probably introduced as a stowaway in the late 1990s and has since spread widely on Isabela and Santa Cruz.

In Plaza Sur, protective measures are bearing fruit - in the truest sense of the word

When you think of the Galápagos Islands, Plaza Sur is probably not the first place that comes to mind. The island, which is only 13 hectares in size, lies to the east of Santa Cruz and is not inhabited by humans. However, a groundbreaking discovery was made at this location, which is only visited by tourists and researchers, at the beginning of the year.

A Gecko Returns: Surprising Rediscovery in the Galápagos Islands

On the small Galápagos island of Rábida, scientists have rediscovered an animal thought to be extinct: the leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus). This nocturnal lizard had long been considered gone—only fossil bones had ever been found. Now, living specimens have been observed, and even DNA samples collected. This surprising find is a success for conservation and highlights the value of protective measures.

The Galápagos rail, thought to be extinct, has been rediscovered on Floreana

The island of Floreana is one of the islands in the archipelago that has been most heavily modified by humans. It was therefore assumed that the Galápagos rail (Laterallus spilonota) became extinct due to invasive species. These small land birds fly very poorly and are therefore highly threatened by introduced cats and rats.

Whale shark “Elise” returns to the Galápagos after seven months

The approximately 10.5 m long female whale shark with tracking number #262715 was named “Elise.” On June 21, 2024, the Galápagos Whale Shark Project team spotted Elise off Darwin Arch and tagged her with a transmitter. Now she has been spotted again in the Galápagos.

Sensation in the Galápagos: A New Darwin’s Finch Species Discovered!

Once again, the Galápagos Islands have proven why they are called a “living laboratory of evolution”: Scientists have discovered that the woodpecker finch of San Cristóbal (Camarhynchus striatipecta) may be a distinct species!

First great white shark sighted near Galápagos

An extraordinary moment for marine research: for the first time, a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) has been confirmed in Ecuadorian waters! Researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park documented the sighting about 90 kilometers west of Wolf Island – outside the Galápagos Marine Protection Area.

Severe drought on the Galápagos Islands threatens agriculture and biodiversity

The Galápagos Islands are currently experiencing a severe drought that is seriously affecting agricultural production and the archipelago's unique biodiversity. The drought is not only affecting the human population and agriculture, but is also threatening the habitats of many endemic species.

First pictures of young pink iguanas

It's a minor sensation. Researcher Dr. Jorge Carrión has succeeded in discovering and photographing young pink land iguanas for the first time.

We need your help!

The project "Iguanas from above" has reached the 3rd phase. The project leader Dr. Amy MacLeod from the University in Leipzig informed us that the pictures of the third expedition to the islands Genovesa, Marchena and Pinta are now available on the platform Zooniverse.