Conservation Spotlight: The Galapagos Islands

 Happy Earth Day!!!
    
     So far we have discussed several ways in which the environment and the animals living in it are being harmed by human impact. However, we have not yet focused on a specific location that is being threatened by humans. Being that I will be traveling there very shortly, I decided to focus on the Galapagos Islands. These Islands are not only known for helping Darwin develop his theory of natural selection (the mechanism for evolution), but they are also an exemplary model of how humans can destroy natural ecosystems.
     The Galapagos Islands are found off of the coast of South America, and each Island offers a diverse range of ecosystems and organisms. One Island can be like a desert and the next like a jungle; animals such as the Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and Darwin's finches can only be found on the Islands- nowhere else in the world! The diversity of these Islands is what sets them apart from any other area in the world; unfortunately, even these Islands have been exposed to human interaction (and not for the better).
     You may be wondering how humans could possibly threaten a group of Islands out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean...Well, we can trace the human impact on the Islands since around the 1500s, when whalers and buccaneers would stop on the Islands to restock on food and resources. One of these food sources was the Galapagos tortoises, so even during the 1500s these tortoises were being threatened by humans. Another problem early explorers brought with them to the Islands were invasive species. Recall that invasive species are those organisms that have been introduced to an area they normally don't inhabit; with no natural predators, these animals soar to the top of the food chain and cause ecological harm to the animals and plants around them. People who once tried to inhabit the Galapagos Islands brought with them goats, donkeys, and pigs. To this day, these invasive species still roam the Islands and pose a major problem to the native species and natural ecosystems. Whalers also brought black rats and insects with them on their ships, causing an even bigger invasive species problem. These invasive species, like the wild pigs, will actually eat marine iguana and Galapagos tortoise eggs, as well as plants that contribute to the diversity of the Islands. These are the main reasons invasive species are so dangerous.

     Currently, tourists are causing harm to the Islands by bringing other invasive species to the Islands on their clothes, shoes, and foods they bring to the Islands. Despite strict rules that have been set in place, tourism is still a huge threat to the Islands because the natural and sensitive ecosystems are being exposed to more and more humans. Poaching in and around the Islands is yet another problem, especially since the unique animals are the ones being poached.
     It may be hard to understand why it should be of any concern to us to worry about the protection of these Islands. After all, they aren't located anywhere near us, so why should we care? Well, in my personal opinion, these Islands are such a perfect representation of natural, untouched beauty; they don't deserve to be destroyed by careless human hands. If you want to take part in helping to preserve these Islands, several great websites, such as the first link above, provide countless sources of information about the Islands. Once again I must refer to the World Wildlife Fund's website, which not only gives information about the Islands but also offers the opportunity to "adopt" animals that are unique to the Galapagos. What an awesome way to show your support for conservation and the Galapagos Islands! Keep that in mind as Earth Day comes to an end and reminds us of the importance of saving the tigers, the trees, and the earth.