In the nearly 500 years since the discovery of the Galapagos archipelago by Bishop Tomás de Berlanga, approximately 23 species of terrestrial vertebrates (plus human beings) have been introduced to the islands. These include twelve species of mammals, including the infamous triumvirate of rats, cats, and goats which as introduced species have been the cause of so many conservation problems around the world. The list also includes pigs, dogs, horses, cattle, donkeys and mice. Six species of birds have been introduced, including chickens and ducks, as well as semi-domestic Rock Pigeons, and wild species such as Smooth-billed Ani and Cattle Egret. Four species of reptiles, all geckos have been introduced to the islands.
In 1997-1998, a wet El Niño year, a new class of vertebrates was introduced, with the arrival of the tree frog Scinax quinquefasciata.
Although not all of these species pose the same level of risk to the native flora and fauna, all do have some effect, through predation or competition. In addition, many of these species can serve as hosts and carriers for introduced diseases and parasites, which may have devastating effects on native and endemic species of animals. Source: Charles Darwin Foundation |
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Farewell to the airport cats
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