Conservation Value:

The Galápagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) is one of the endemic seabirds of the Galápagos Archipelago. The populations of this long-lived seabird have declined substantially over the last sixty years and it is now listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN. With the help of Rainforest Trust, Fundación Jocotoco established its Galápagos Reserve in 2017 to protect a breeding colony of petrels on the island of San Cristóbal, where the species is not adequately protected by the Galápagos National Park.

Threats:

The decline of the Galápagos Petrel has occurred through overfishing of its food sources, predation of adults and young by feral cats, dogs, pigs, and rats at nest burrows where the birds are particularly vulnerable, and the loss of nest sites as invasive blackberry (Rubus) bramble thickets replace natural Miconia (Miconia robinsoniana) forests and cover the cavities.

Actions & Results:

In 2024, with support from ICFC, Fundación Jocotoco completed the nature trails to safely access the Galápagos petrel nesting colonies in the Los Petreles Reserve.  The management of the reserve requires a basic level of infrastructure for field staff, and easy access to the protected area.  The construction of these access (or nature) trails, both to the facilities and to the nesting sites, provide the necessary conditions to carry out conservation actions for Critically Endangered species, such as the Galápagos Petrels.  In addition, it facilitates the control of invasive species and restoration of native habitat in the reserve, with the help of students and volunteer visitors.  In the end, this project will meaningfully contribute to the rehabilitation of ecosystems and the conservation of unique species in the Galápagos Archipelago.