Humans are unfortunately destroying the unique environment of the Galápagos Islands. Since the islands were discovered in 1535, neglect and greed have been major problems. Feral pigs, cattle, donkey and goats are destroying natural vegetation by over grazing and trampling them with their hoofs. This disturbance favors non-native plants over natives ones. Space, light, water and nutrients are the main resources that plants need to grow. With the disturbance caused by introduced animals, non-native plants have the advantage of space because they put out more seed and can establish in an area quickly. Non-natives grow quickly and shade out other slow growing species. It is thought that the islands have about 438 exotic species, 26% of these plants were introduced unintentionally. Seeds are easily transported by accident. They could be caught in shoe soles or on clothes, transported in grain and expelled from migratory animals, like birds. Most of these exotics are not a big problem unless they become naturalized, which is when a plant lives and reproduces as if it has always lived on the islands. Naturalized species compete with native species for resources and space more aggressively than other introduced species. On some islands, the number of exotic species has doubled in the last ten years. Today, twelve species of native plants are thought to be in danger of extinction. If these species were lost many others with which they are ecologically associated, would follow. Not only do non-native plants endanger native plants, but they also threaten native animals that depend on those species for food and shelter. For thousand of years these plants and animals have evolved together in a very delicate ecosystem. In order for the Galápagos islands to stay bountiful, all community members need to be conserved.
Both the Charles Darwin Research Center and the Galápagos National Park service are working to help the native plants and animals of the area. Research on the best ways to eliminate non-native plants and animals from the island, monitoring for potential problems, and management of tourism is important for the future of the island.
To learn more about conservation in the islands visit this site.