The main threats to the Galapagos Islands are invasive species, brought over sea by people on ships, rising tourism, diseases and more people living on the islands.
Invasive species and threats
Many common house pets have been introduced to the Galapagos, eating the shrubbery and driving out natives.
Captain David Porter accidentally introduced the first goats to the islands in the early 1800’s. They ate all vegetation, meaning that there was no food for other native animals, and they caused erosion. All goats were eradicated from the islands in 2005, which was a relief as the goats were a main thereat to the islands.
Tree frogs were also accidentally introduced to the Islands, and they carry parasites that affect the water birds.
All feral cats were eradicated in 2001; they were a threat as they ate native animals. Unfortunately when all cats were gone, rats and mice started coming up everywhere. So in 2002 a controlled amount of kittens were released, and then captured again when all rats were gone.
Weeds
There are only around 300 native plant species on the Galapagos islands, that have evolved to live together in a delicate harmony, now though around 600 plants and weeds have been introduced, though it does mean that there is more food for some animals, some plants are poisonous, and without animals eating them, they take over. The weeds are brought by ships and people. Seeds are carried along roads, spreading the weeds further.
Insects
Perhaps the worst invasive bug in the Galapagos is the cottony cushion bug. Though it may have a nice name, it has invaded 80 countries. In the Galapagos the bug is a threat to 96 different plants.
The fire ant has invaded most of the Galapagos Islands. This bad bug is taking over other native ants, and they kick quite a punch when they bite.
Diseases
Pigeons were introduced in 1972-1973, they were decided a threat as they carried so many (about forty) diseases that could affect animals and humans alike. Luckily these birds are almost completely gone from all islands.
Also more chicken farms on the Galapagos have meant that more diseases have spread from these birds to others. Also diseases have been brought over by humans and other introduced species.
Poaching and illegal hunting
While the Galapagos Islands are national parks, many sad people don’t seem to care about our planet. Just at the start of this year (2013) a ship carrying 357 poached sharks was caught and given a hefty fine, but how many sharks could it have caught before it was caught? It is not just sharks and marine life, but Galapagos penguins and Galapagos Tortoises. While there used to be 15 species of tortoise, there now only remain 10.
Expanding population
The Galapagos Islands has a population of around twenty seven thousand people. (2013) This means that a lot of trees and habitats have been ruined to make way for housing and farming. We have brought pests and diseases. More people also mean more roads, and more resources needed. Expanding population was listed on the 15 greatest issues troubling the islands, by world heritage.
Invasive species and threats
Many common house pets have been introduced to the Galapagos, eating the shrubbery and driving out natives.
Captain David Porter accidentally introduced the first goats to the islands in the early 1800’s. They ate all vegetation, meaning that there was no food for other native animals, and they caused erosion. All goats were eradicated from the islands in 2005, which was a relief as the goats were a main thereat to the islands.
Tree frogs were also accidentally introduced to the Islands, and they carry parasites that affect the water birds.
All feral cats were eradicated in 2001; they were a threat as they ate native animals. Unfortunately when all cats were gone, rats and mice started coming up everywhere. So in 2002 a controlled amount of kittens were released, and then captured again when all rats were gone.
Weeds
There are only around 300 native plant species on the Galapagos islands, that have evolved to live together in a delicate harmony, now though around 600 plants and weeds have been introduced, though it does mean that there is more food for some animals, some plants are poisonous, and without animals eating them, they take over. The weeds are brought by ships and people. Seeds are carried along roads, spreading the weeds further.
Insects
Perhaps the worst invasive bug in the Galapagos is the cottony cushion bug. Though it may have a nice name, it has invaded 80 countries. In the Galapagos the bug is a threat to 96 different plants.
The fire ant has invaded most of the Galapagos Islands. This bad bug is taking over other native ants, and they kick quite a punch when they bite.
Diseases
Pigeons were introduced in 1972-1973, they were decided a threat as they carried so many (about forty) diseases that could affect animals and humans alike. Luckily these birds are almost completely gone from all islands.
Also more chicken farms on the Galapagos have meant that more diseases have spread from these birds to others. Also diseases have been brought over by humans and other introduced species.
Poaching and illegal hunting
While the Galapagos Islands are national parks, many sad people don’t seem to care about our planet. Just at the start of this year (2013) a ship carrying 357 poached sharks was caught and given a hefty fine, but how many sharks could it have caught before it was caught? It is not just sharks and marine life, but Galapagos penguins and Galapagos Tortoises. While there used to be 15 species of tortoise, there now only remain 10.
Expanding population
The Galapagos Islands has a population of around twenty seven thousand people. (2013) This means that a lot of trees and habitats have been ruined to make way for housing and farming. We have brought pests and diseases. More people also mean more roads, and more resources needed. Expanding population was listed on the 15 greatest issues troubling the islands, by world heritage.