SAERO airline to being Galapagos Inter-Island flights

Ecuadorian Airline SAERO S.A. has announced they are to begin inter-islands service within the Galapagos Islands.  There are currently three airports in the Galapagos the largest on the island of Baltra, one on the island of San Cristobal and a third which is exclusively used for inter-island flights on the island of Isabela.  Travel between these islands is currently limited to either a fiberglass speed boat or EMETEBEE airlines which operates 7 and 9 passenger Britten-Norman 2 Islander planes.

SAERO which currently offers flights within Ecuador and to the beaches of Northern Peru has a fleet that includes a Turbo Commander 840, Helicopter, BeechCraft 1900 Embraer 120 and Leer Jet.    SAERO’s entry into the Galapagos inter-island market will make more options available and it more convenient for travelers who wish to travel between the islands by plane.

Floreana Tortoise Back from Extinction

From Clifton Wang The Yale Daily News

After finding the descendants of a species of giant tortoises believed extinct from the Galapagos Islands for 150 years, Yale researchers are hoping to save the species.

In an expedition to Isabela Island led by Adalgisa Caccone GRD ’86, senior research scientist in ecology and evolutionary biology, the researchers found 84 tortoises whose genes show that one of their parents is a member of the supposedly extinct species, C. elephantopus. Published Jan. 9 in the journal “Current Biology,” the subsequent report stated that at least 38 purebred individuals of that species are still alive, and Caccone said she hopes to return to the Galapagos to find them.

“We can bring back a species from near extinction,” said Caccone. “If we can find these individuals in a larger expedition, we can return the species to its [original state] and reestablish the ecological equilibrium.”

Thirty of the turtle descendants were younger than 15 years old, and since giant tortoises often live over 100 years, this data suggests some parents are still alive. Carefully breeding the hybrids may also allow scientists to revive the C. elephantopus species even if the purebreds cannot be found, Caccone added.

The study claimed to be the first to rediscover a supposedly extinct species by analyzing the DNA of its offspring, though Caccone said in an interview with the News that her team simply applied standard analytical techniques.

“We had access to a large database that included the genetic fingerprints of [diverse giant tortoise] species, including extinct data,” Caccone said. “It was a huge effort, and a lot of undergraduates helped us with the project [to analyze all the samples].”

The team accumulated blood samples from over 1,600 tortoises, around 20 percent of the total tortoise population on Isabela Island, and compared the DNA to a genetic database of tortoise species. They found close correlations to the extinct species, identifying 84 direct descendants.

When Charles Darwin explored the islands in 1835, he found fifteen species of giant tortoises. Since only eleven species remain in the Galapagos today, Caccone said it is important to halt this rapid extinction. The differentiation Darwin saw between similar species on different islands, such as finches, was crucial in the development of his theory of evolution.

The giant tortoise is the only grazing herbivore native to the Galapagos, and plays an important ecological role, Caccone said, by helping to keep vegetative growth in check. On some islands where tortoise populations have dwindled, invasive plants and overgrowth have become a problem, she said.

On Floreana, the “extinct” species’ native island, the ecosystem is out of equilibrium. Caccone speculated that the tortoise was likely transported to Isabela aboard a ship as food, and then left on the island. Meanwhile the population on Floreana was wiped out due to hunting by whalers, pirates and local workers during the 19th Century.

University of British Columbia biology Professor Michael Russello, who contributed to the study, said he looks forward to a future expedition to the Galapagos that will allow conservationists to establish a breeding program and restore the species to Floreana.

“The return of tortoises to Floreana would [help] to restore the native flora and fauna of the island,” Russello said.

George Amato GRD ’94, director of the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History, called the study “exciting” and “very significant.” He added that he is optimistic about the likelihood of finding the parents and hopeful about seeing the research translate into measurable conservation initiatives.

Even if purebred members of C. elephantopus cannot be found, Russello and Amato said the 84 offspring found may cumulatively have enough genetic variation to design a breeding program that would revive the species.

Ths project could provide a case study of how to restore extinct species from their close descendants.

“Success with this one species will give hope and a practical example for future conservation efforts, maintaining public interest in conservation that is essential for [receiving] funding and [influencing] political or community organizations,” said Brittney Kajdacsi ’11, a lab assistant to Caccone.

The giant tortoise is among the largest reptiles and longest-living animals on Earth, thought to have arrived on the Galapagos Islands from Ecuador about 1 million years ago.

For more on this topic read our Blog The Evolution of Extinction

Galapagos Biodiverse Paradise

A good article on Island Based Travel….enjoy!

By Gabriela Supelano / Ecuador

This archipelago, Ecuador has no comparison. It is unique for its number of animals, diversity of landscapes and isolation.  The perfect place to understand the evolution by Charles Darwin.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuM3QmGBOWq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The landscape of the Galapagos Islands may well have come from a science fiction movie. It is barren, dry, low vegetation and little green.  It is also full of volcanoes and lava dry. Next to the alien land is a deep blue sea. It’s a no man’s land, or rather, a land not owned by its human inhabitants it’s owned by nature.

The islands have much to offer.  Therefore, it is best to plan to visit ahead of time, although in a few days can also make a nice trip. There are 13 large volcanic islands, 6 smaller islands and 107 rocks and islets. So much to explore and learn.

Each island is very different from the other, so much so that large Galapagos tortoises are several species that evolved by isolation and climatic conditions of each site.

The airport is located in the small island of Baltra.  On arriving there, tourists should take a ferry to transport them to one of the most important islands, Santa Cruz. In the upper parts are two huge craters called Los Gemelos. These are formed when several underground lava tubes collapsed.

Moreover, in Santa Cruz is a giant tortoise reserve and Charles Darwin. This site is intended for research and conservation of the giant tortoises and that’s where Lonesome George, animal emblematic of the islands.

George is the last specimen of its kind.  For this reason, researchers at the Charles Darwin Station are trying to reproduce with females genetically very similar species.

In Santa Cruz is also Puerto Ayora, the largest town in Galapagos. It is a perfect place to stay. From Puerto Ayora you can take boats and cruisers for all the islands and diverse infrastructure and hotels.

From Santa Cruz you can go to San Cristobal, a small island but definitely missed. In Santa Cruz there are nature walks in the vegetation of the area and beaches. In addition, sea lions are everywhere, from the pier to the beach.  Its small size also means it has less flow of tourists. It also has cabins and small hotels for those who do not want to move there.

The other big island is Isabela. This is much younger than San Cristobal, which has beautiful beaches, lots of wildlife and several volcanoes that can be crossed on foot or horseback.

Isabela also has a huge area for snorkeling, where there are reefs, fish and you can see another turtle or a sea lion.  It is the perfect place to appreciate the huge marine iguanas characteristics of small islands and penguins that inhabit them.

The Galapagos Islands are a point where biodiversity operates, so much so that looks like a zoo without cages or bars. Animals are masters of the rocks and beaches, and you have to ask permission to walk on their land. It’s a unique place, which also stands at the center of the world along the equator.

OK Galapagos

A new program OK Galapagos was put into action last week in Puerto Villamil on the Island of Isabela and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the island of San Cristobal.  The OK Galapagos which was established by the Ministry of Tourism allows visitors to easily identify certified local operators while traveling in the Galapagos Islands.

The operators of hotels, boats, ground transportation, restaurants, bars and local guides on both Isabela and San Cristobal enthusiastically embraced the new program.  The participating agencies have been given buttons, stickers, and signs allowing visitors to easily identify the operator as one working in compliance with the Ministry of Tourism to provide quality services within the islands.

The OK Galapagos campaign is designed to provide tourists confidence when booking services within the Galapagos Islands.  The “OK” sign identifies agencies which are working within the scope of the law and providing fair and professional services.  Tourists are given the opportunity to provide feedback of the agencies with the Ministry of Tourism and any agency receiving complaints regarding violations of local regulations are subject to prosecution and punishment by the authorities of the  Ministry of Tourism.

We applaud the Ministry of Tourism for the new program and its efforts to regulate the local tourism companies operating in Galapagos.

Galapagos Tortoise Survey – Isabela

A group of six guards and three staff of the Charles Darwin Foundation made a census of Galapagos Giant Tortoises Geochelone guntheri the species in the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island (Galapagos), to check their population status.

The census was conducted in San Pedro sites, Roca Union and Humedales of Sierra Negra volcano. So far there have been three trips, which lasted 16 days.

On each trip the area was surveyed by zones, the park rangers observed the tortoises and verified from their tag if they had been repatriated or born in the wild. Additionally, they measured the long curve of each turtle, to measure the growth of subsequent monitoring and compare with the last census.

Partial results have counted 23 tortoises in the Humedales surveyed, 26 in San Pedro and 23 Rock Union. Final results of the survey will be announced soon and the national park will announce the population numbers of this species of tortoise.

Flightless Cormorants Courting and Nesting Season

With less than 1500 estimated individuals the Flightless Cormorant is one of the rarest birds in the world.  Endemic to the Galapagos Islands, they are the only cormorant who has lost their ability to fly. These unique birds which can be found near the island of east coast of Fernandina or on the north or west coast of Isabela have evolved to be able to survive the harsh climate.

From now until October, when the food is most abundant the flightless cormorants will court then nest. During the peak breeding time there may be 12 breeding couples in a colony.

The cormorants complex mating ritual begins at sea where pair will swim around each other with their long necks stretched out in an “S” like fashion.  The male will then lead the female ashore where he turns his back to her and forms the “S” with his neck.

Within 100 meters of the sea on flat lava or a sheltered outcrop the couple will build a nest out of presents the male brings to the female. Nests are typically built of sea weed, urchins, sea stars, flotsam and small fish.  The female normally lays 3 eggs and the pair will take turns incubating the eggs.  Typically only one chick will survive and both parents also participate in the feeding and brooding until the chick is big enough to be independent.  At which time the female will leave the chicks with the father to find another mate.

The only way to view Flightless Cormorants and their mating rituals is aboard a Galapagos Cruise which includes Fernandina and the western side of Isabela.

Galapagos Passengers Adrift Rescued by Coast Guard

Photo from the Minsitry of Defense

The boat P/ Albany registration number TN-01-00271 went a drift on Tuesday after running out of fuel with 20 adults and 4 children from various counties aboard.  The boat had exceeded its passenger capacity and the captain underestimated the amount of fuel needed with the extra weight as a result the boat ran out of fuel and was adrift while making its way between Isabela and Santa Cruz.

The navy reported the emergency and the Coast Guard vessel Cormorant departed Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz and rescued the stranded passengers and brought fuel to the ship.  Both boats arrived in Puerto Ayora at 8pm on Tuesday night.  The passengers identified only as American, German, French and Ecuadorian citizens were all said to be in good health according to naval authorities.

The navy has stated there will be an investigation and the shipowner and captain will be held responsible for carrying excess passengers as well as needing to repay all costs of the rescue.

The Galapagos National Park (GNP) is the agency responsible for carrying out checks on tourist boats in the archipelago.  However many of the smaller boats such as the Albany are not allowed to operate within the National Park other than to transport passengers between towns.  The safety and security of these boats are not up to the same standards as the yachts providing Galapagos Cruises.

Top Places to Visit in Galapagos – Isabela

Our #1 selection for top places to visit in the Galapagos Islands is Isabela.  The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is also the most spectacular.  Located to the far west of the archipelago, Isabela is home to 6 volcanoes, 5 of which are still active.

Isabela is home to some of the best wildlife in Galapagos – 95% of the Galapagos Penguin population lives on Isabela or neighboring Fernandina. Isabela has an abundance of wildlife. The Bolivar Canal is the best place in the Galapagos to see whales and dolphins.  Isabela is the best place in the Galapagos to see migratory birds.  If it’s unique wildlife you seek Isabela is home to numerous rare endemic animals like the flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, and the extremely rare mangrove finch.

Isabela is the only island that is home to more than one subspecies of Galapagos Tortoise. For years scientist believed that each volcano on Isabela had its own separate subspecies of tortoise.  However recent DNA research has concluded that there two distinct different species of tortoises the populations of the southern volcanoes are vicina and those of the remote Wolf volcno are becki.

Of the many natural wonders found in Galapagos – you can find the majority on Isabela.  It is here on Isabela you can climb the Sierra Negra Volcano home to the 2^nd largest caldera in the world.  There is excellent diving at Punta Moreno, Roca Redonda and Punta Vicente Roca where you can dive with giant mantas.

There are the spectacular mangrove lagoons teeming with wildlife like Elizabeth Bay where you can see Galapagos Hawks, sea turtles, rays,  penguins, iguanas and so much more.  There are geological treasures like those at Urbina Bay where the uplifting cause the coastline to be driven 3/4 of a mile further out to sea, exposing giant coral heads and stranding marine organisms on what was now on shore. There is the fresh water lake and at the favorite anchorage for pirates at Tagus Cove.

Isabela is also home to Puerto Villamil our #8 pick for best places to visit in Galapagos, with it’s stunning beach and interesting day tours. It’s the most Staying on Isabela in Puerto Villamil is the most captivating town in Galapagos

Isabela is an incredible Island with much to offer – when deciding between Galapagos Cruises if you select one with several days in Isabela you will discover the many treasures the island has in store and find out for yourself why Isabela is our top place to visit in the Galapagos.

Top Places to Visit in Galapagos – Puerto Villamil

Located on the southeast coast on the island of Isabela is the most alluring town in the Galapagos our #8 pick – Puerto Villamil.  A sleepy fishing village located on a white sand beach fringed with palm trees, Puerto Villamil has much to offer.  It’s no doubt why this is the favorite destination for sailboats making the Pacific crossing, the main beach could easily be a vacation spot on its own.

Puerto Villamil has much more to offer, as you arrive in to town near the main dock you will see Galapagos Penguins, Brown Pelicans,  sea lions, and both Nazca and blue footed boobies lined up as if they are waiting to meet you.  A water taxi can take you over to the neighboring Tintorares for a short walk to view thousands of marine iguanas and sleeping white tip reef sharks.

On the edge of town you will find several brackish lagoons the ideal place to spot Galapagos Flamingos and pintail ducks. There is the lovely boardwalk trail to the tortoise breeding center where you can witness first-hand how tortoises from the different volcanoes on Isabela evolved differently based on their environment.  Towards the end of town are the mangroves of Los Humidales an excellent spot to snorkel or bird watch.

Traveling up the island is the Sierra Negra Volcano a fascinating visit to discover the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands and to explore the 2^nd largest caldera in the world.  To the southern end of the island is the surreal snorkeling spot in the Galapagos the fabulous Los Tuneles.

Puerto Villamil can be visited as a day trip from Santa Cruz, from a Galapagos Cruise or you can relax and enjoy and explore the environment from a local hotel.

The Galapagos Goes Wireless

It’s now possible to send mail in Floreana both via the post barrel and via the new Wi-Fi Service.

From RTU News

As a milestone for the Galapagos Islands has been considered the fact that the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Society, Mintel, put in execution his plan of wireless connectivity or Wi-Fi in the middle pier of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana, which has been well received not only by the residents but thousands of tourists who have expressed their satisfaction, because, now, with a laptop computer can send or receive emails, find information, chat, in short everything that means surfing the Internet superhighway.

From this Thursday (January 13, 2011) may be seen to have shrunk and inaugurated a bridge that unites our world heritage, ie, the Galapagos, with all the mainland, since not only is providing wireless Internet but are also thousands of students have this easily available technology. In addition it has finalized a comprehensive plan that goes from the delivery of computers, projectors, printers, etc.

The Minister of Telecommunication and Information Society, Jaime Guerrero Ruiz, said that “while this is an important step towards the  intellectual development of students and citizens in general, is also remuneration from the Government of the Citizen Revolution who despite being generators of national wealth and living in one of the tourist jewels of Ecuador had never before been seen in their needs, not only basic but also in technology. We want to make clear that the Good Life is not for a particular site of the country, but for everyone, especially the most vulnerable and forgotten, “he said.

THE OPENINGS:

In the Galapagos Islands, has lived almost a party atmosphere and expectation, as it is the first time that all the piers of the islands have free Internet access, which is considered the beginning of a new era in insular life, as in the walls, on benches, sidewalks, etc.. you can watch tourists and locals surfing the information superhighway. No longer be connected in a closed but may maintain such direct contact with nature, look at all the beauty offered by the ocean, watching the flight of the frigates, finches, pelicans or sand bath seals are given …

On Thursday, Mr. Javier Muñoz, Assistant Secretary for Information Technology and Communication, on behalf of Mintel, participated in several events organized in conjunction with the main authorities of the Galapagos, to facilitate access to ICTs, by implementing a telecommunications network.

The main event was held in Santa Cruz, in fiscal School Joint “Galo Plaza Lasso”, later made a visit to the National School “Miguel Angel Casares’ and National College” Galapagos “and finally at 16:30 the system was inaugurated WI -FI wireless on the Malecon in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. On Friday, first thing you will visit the School Fiscomisional “Pedro Pablo Andrade”, which also delivered equipment and connectivity.