Galápagos Goats Gone: Island Flora Reclaims Its Roots

Project Isabela, a significant conservation initiative, focused on removing introduced mammals from the Galápagos Islands. Starting in 1997, the project achieved the eradication of feral goats from Santiago Island by 2005, with the island declared free of large mammals in 2006. This extensive operation involved removing approximately 79,579 goats over 4.5 years at a substantial cost of $6.1 million.

The removal of these invasive herbivores has led to a notable ecological recovery. Native plant species, such as the endemic daisy tree (Scalesia atractyloides), have shown rapid regrowth from remaining stumps. This resurgence has prompted discussions about reconsidering the endangered status of certain flora that scientists had previously presumed extinct.

Despite the successes, the restoration is not without its complications. The eradication of goats has allowed invasive plants, like the blackberry, to spread extensively in the highlands. Researchers also noted the possibility of goats reappearing on islands declared free of them, as evidenced by six goats reintroduced to Santiago in 2009, three years after its declaration. This highlights the ongoing need for vigilant conservation efforts in the Galápagos.

The scale and cost of removing the final 1,000 goats were particularly high, exceeding $2 million over 1.5 years. The expense per animal escalated dramatically, from an initial $10-$100 to over $10,000 each as numbers dwindled. The recovery of native vegetation and endangered plants demonstrates the potential for island restoration, though continuous management is crucial.