Galapagos Invasive Plant Baseline Created

Charles Darwin Foundation botanists have created a baseline of all introduced plants growing in Puerto Villamil — the third largest town in the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands, governed by Ecuador, are an archipelago of 19 volcanic islands straddling the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles from mainland Ecuador. The botanists recorded 261 species on Isabela Island, 39 of which were found growing wild.

Despite 95 percent of the archipelago falling under the Galapagos National Park, invasive plants spreading from the inhabited areas are having large impacts on the native flora and fauna.

CDF botanist Anne Guezou said, Thanks to the cooperation of residents we were able to visit every property ”¦ and obtain the first complete baseline of introduced species.

Five species were identified as potentially serious weeds that should be completely eradicated, the researchers said.

By identifying invaders before they become widespread, and investing in their eradication or control, we can protect this World Heritage site from their impacts. said Guezou.

The study is detailed in the online journal PLoS One.