Project Floreana Poised to Beg
An ambitious new project is planned to restore Floreana Island. The Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation are following on their great success with Project Isabela, which eradicated tens of thousands of feral goats and gave back that island to tortoises, ground-nesting birds, and native plants.Now they intend to do the same on Floreana. The Galapagos Conservancy, which is fundraising for this project, says:”Like Isabela Island, this once pristine island was transformed by the introduction of goats and other non-native species, as well as the continual presence of humans for more than a century. The goats have left once-lush landscapes entirely barren. And many of Floreana’s rare native species - some found nowhere else on Earth - have disappeared from the island.To bring them back, first we must clear the island of goats. Once the goats are gone, phase two will focus on repopulating Floreana with its native species, first by restoring the Floreana mockingbird to its island of origin. Life will once again flourish on Floreana as these species reclaim their home.”IGTOA Members should note that our new Traveler Funding program will provide increased contributions to the Charles Darwin Foundation, allowing such work to go forward.