Mongabay · Climate & nature

New Galápagos Atlas Documents Biodiversity and Research Gaps

A new atlas from the Darwin Foundation details the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, highlighting both well-known and lesser-known species, and emphasizing the ongoing scientific mysteries surrounding them.

The freely accessible Galapagos Atlas features 68 species and species groups, including iconic animals like giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as well as plants and insects. It was compiled by 87 scientists, park rangers, and conservationists.

Each species profile in the atlas outlines current knowledge alongside identified unknowns regarding their ecology, behavior, and conservation needs. This aims to serve as a starting point for further research into the islands' life.

The atlas also provides overviews of the Galápagos' natural history, human history, ecology, evolution, and geology. It addresses the significant issue of invasive species, noting that around 1,500 introduced species exist, with over 60 classified as invasive and disruptive to native ecosystems.

The Darwin Foundation hopes the atlas will increase awareness to prevent further introductions of potentially invasive species. They emphasize the role of tourists in accidentally introducing species and the importance of authorities' control efforts.

Future editions are planned to include more species and be published in English and Spanish. Conservationists view the atlas as a valuable tool for informing decisions and supporting effective conservation actions by combining existing knowledge with identified research needs.

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