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Past and present of conservation translocations in Galapagos. What can we change for the future: The Floreana mockingbird reintroduction case - Dr Enzo M R. Reyes

Monday, November 13, 2023
11:10 AM - 11:20 AM
Sirius / Pleiades Room, Esplanade Hotel Fremantle

Speaker

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Dr Enzo M R. Reyes
Massey Univeristy

Past and present of conservation translocations in Galapagos. What can we change for the future: The Floreana mockingbird reintroduction case

Abstract

The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the most pristine archipelagos in the world. Despite their unique biodiversity and relatively undisturbed habitat, the archipelago faces the same threats as other islands. Human colonization on the islands has caused the extinction of several species by a combination of direct human pressure, the introduction of invasive species and habitat change. To mitigate the loss of biodiversity on the islands, the Galapagos National Park and The Charles Darwin Foundation have been performing a series of reintroductions and assisted colonization of vertebrates. Nevertheless, the rates of success have been higher for reptiles' translocations mainly giant tortoises than for birds. Several factors including poor planning and decision-making account for the failure of bird translocations. The Floreana Island Restoration Project, which aims to reintroduce 13 locally extinct vertebrate species to Floreana (the most impacted island on the archipelago), brings an opportunity to assess the methods used in previous translocations on the archipelago and correct mistakes. Here we review past translocations on the islands and focus on the proposed reintroduction of the endangered Floreana mockingbird as a study case. We discuss how the knowledge gathered for the species during the last years could help to improve the decision-making process and the outcome of the species' reintroduction.

Biography

Dr Enzo Reyes is an Ecuadorian early career conservationist. He got his PhD in Conservation Biology at Massey University investigating how behavioural aspects could influence the future reintroduction of the Floreana Mockingbird to Floreana Island. Enzo also worked for the DOC in the recent translocation of the Black Robin.

Session Chair

Saul Cowen
Research Scientist
DBCA

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