How did goats impact the Galapagos Islands?

Feral goats devastated Galapagos ecosystems through overgrazing and soil damage, threatening native species like giant tortoises.

What is Project Isabela?

Project Isabela was an ambitious effort from 1997 to 2006 to eradicate invasive goats, pigs, and donkeys from the Galapagos Islands.

What are the benefits of invasive species removal on islands?

Removing invasives allows vegetation to recover, native species to thrive, and even boosts coral reef health and fish populations.

Home / Environment / Island Rescues: Nature Reclaims Paradise

Island Rescues: Nature Reclaims Paradise

14 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Goats devastated Galapagos ecosystems, doubling yearly and damaging soil.
Project Isabela removed invasive species, leading to ecosystem recovery.
Invasive species eradication boosts marine life and coral reef resilience.

Invasive species eradication efforts are transforming fragile island ecosystems worldwide. Projects like Project Isabela in the Galapagos Islands have successfully removed invasive goats, pigs, and donkeys, leading to remarkable vegetation recovery and the return of native flora and fauna.

These conservation initiatives extend beyond the Galapagos, with successful projects on islands in Mexico, Chile, and Micronesia. The removal of invasive species not only aids in the survival of endangered wildlife but also has profound positive impacts on marine environments, including faster coral reef growth and increased fish biomass.

Technological advancements, such as AI-powered traps and thermal drones, are enhancing eradication effectiveness. While funding remains a challenge, these conservation successes highlight the critical correlation between controlling invasive species and enabling natural habitats to regenerate and thrive.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.