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A scientific census of the iconic species population in the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) recorded approx. More than 23,000 marine iguanas and 5,800 sea lions The archipelago is located in several areas of the Pacific Ocean, about a thousand kilometers from the coast of the mainland.
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This was announced by the Galapagos Science Center (GSC), which is operated by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the American University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Research Cruise Report They visited about thirty iguana and sea lion colonies on fourteen islands. The expedition lasted fifteen days and aimed to establish a “Assessing the health and demographic status of iconic Galapagos fauna under climate change conditions in the archipelago”, The source added.
Although the data provided in the report is still preliminary, it is important for conducting specific research on the impacts of climate change and natural phenomena such as El Niño on species in the Galapagos Islands.
The scientific expedition involved personnel from the Galapagos National Park Service, USFQ and GSC, which have been conducting such scientific research cruises since 2014 with the aim of collaborating on the protection of the archipelago. The cruise took place on board the ship Sierra Negra of the Galapagos National Park (PNG), the entity that monitors and protects the archipelago. One of the best preserved areas on earth It was declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. According to the same report, by using specialized drones and other technical equipment, scientists have been able to conduct a census of marine iguanas in 29 different locations, resulting in a total of 23,037 marine iguanas.
The count included Spanish Island (with 1,565 iguanas), Fernandina (16,582), Florena (65), Genovesa (849), Isabela (2,363), Marchena (135), Mosquera (54), Pinta (244), Finch (210), Rabida (190), St. Christopher (156), St. Croix (60), St. Faith (260), James (171), Seymour (33) and China Hat (100).
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Galapagos Islands
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In the sea lion census, 3,601 individuals of the species Zalophus wollebaeki and 2,162 so-called fur seals or arctocephalus galapagoensis were counted. 27 sites observed on 13 islands Detection of the presence of introduced ants, and more than a dozen species have been identified.
The scientific cooperation process from March to April, Allowing us to obtain information about the responses of species in the Galapagos Islands Oppose events related to climate change or the El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomenon. “This work was inspired by the need to update population data for iconic species such as wolves, sea turtles and marine iguanas, for which little information was available prior to 2014”commented Diego Páez, USFQ professor and GSC researcher.
The Galapagos Archipelago, which consists of thirteen islands, is considered a natural laboratory that prompted British scientist Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution and natural selection of species in the 19th century. In the ecosystem of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, more than 2,900 species are reported to exist, 25% of which are endemic. In addition, there are 24 species of marine mammals Examples include whales, dolphins and sea lions, two of which are endemic.
Sophie Cook, chief researcher at Greenpeace UK’s oceans team, believes that the oceans ‘They are threatened’as well as overfishing, plastic pollution and climate change ‘They are causing harm around the world’.
He said a lot of plastic pollution in the oceans “comes from the fishing industry, which leaves behind nets, lines, threads, nylon, buoys floating in the sea,” and recalled how many species are caught in the nets.
“New threats are emerging, such as seabed mining, and we are working to prevent that from happening,” Cook commented during his visit to the Galapagos Islands to document the conservation efforts being achieved there Have a management plan in placewhich can be replicated around the world to protect species.
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