A ver esta página en español haga clic aqui.

Our work is very important for the protection of the native and endemic animals of the Galápagos National Park, not to mention its importance to the human populacion of the islands. The biggest threat they face is the introduction of new species such as dogs, cats, rats, etc. It is our responsibility to find ways to control and manage these problems, to educate the inhabitants of the Galápagos so that they don't introduce yet more species harmful to the islands. It is a difficult task but it is possible. We in San Cristóbal have been the founding example to the other populated islands which are now working to form their own CIMEIs.

To protect the biodiversity we are concerned with projects focused on the populated zones of the Galápagos. As well as the ubiquitous need to educate people our work includes:

• An annual census of cats and dogs on San Cristóbal
• A campaign to control the rodent population and erradicate the introduced pigeon population
• A campaign to provide veterinary services to control and monitor canine and feline diseases
• A campaign to control stray dogs and cats and to keep the animal population healthy
• A campaign to register and identify all cats and dogs
• A campaign to sterilize cats and dogs
• A campaign to manage and relocate farm animals
• Research

The Canine and Feline Census

In 2001 we completed the first canine and feline census of San Cristóbal and the information gathered proved very useful. The results were published and may be freely accessed at our office. A new census is conducted every year.

With the completion of each new census we learn more about the composition of the animal populations and the efficacy of our projects.

The Control of Rodents and Erradication of Introduced Pigeons

The rodents and introduced pigeons represent a great problem. They already spread disease to humans and to endemic species. Without continual control they can reproduce extremely fast. Our work focuses on educating people on how to avoid making life too easy for these animals: keeping the environment clean, putting rubbish in sealed containers, cutting down thickets, and keeping homes and housing areas clean and hygienic. We also use technical means of rodent control with poisons that a re non-toxic to the general environment. To be successful it is very important that the popultion of the Galápagos work together.

On the page of Introduced Species there is more information about the problems of introduced rodents and pigeons.

The Veterinary Service

The veterinary service is very important for the general health of the pets of San Cristóbal. However, there are many other advantages too. For example, we can identify which diseases exist on the island and what risks they represent and to whom. Thus we can evaluate the effectiveness of the quarantine control system. It also gives us a good opportunity to create a bond of cooperation and solidarity with the community, to help them and to educate them. Finally we can sterilize pets to control the population and to prevent overpopulation of canines and felines.

The Control of Stray Cats and Dogs

The control of stray cats and dogs is not easy because they are half wild and are unaccustomed to people making them difficult to catch. Moreover, they generally have owners who don't care for them adequately. When they are find themselves loose they wander the streets, bothering the people, attacking native animals, eating rubbish and transmitting diseases. Without the cooperation of the owners there is not so much that we can do. However, we endeavour to catch the strays and to educate the owners on how to be more responsible.

For more information on the problme of stray cats and dogs click here.

Registration and Identification of Cats and Dogs

To monitor the number of pets in San Cristóbal we have created a system of annual registration and licencing similar to those found in many other countries. Hitherto in Ecuador such a system has only been applied to pure breeds. However, the broader introduction of this system has many advantages in the urban and rural zones by permitting more efficient pet control and promoting the sterlization of pets. To assist with this objective we have implemented an intensive edcuation campaign for pet owners and those interested in becoming one. To be successful we rely on voluntary help without which we cannot reach the more remote regions of the island.

 

Sterilization of Cats and Dogs

The project to sterilize cats and dogs is essential to control their populations. Without this project the numbers of pets would increase without control and this would cause many problems as much for human helath as for the biodiversity of the island. OUtbreaks of sickness in pets and strays would be able to occur spontaneously necessitating veterinary controls to be in place. Repsonsible owners may bring their pets to the offices of CIMEI to be sterilized and the cost is partly subsidised by the CIMEI to try to achieve the cooperation of the community.

Management of Farm Animals

There are many farm animals on San Cristóbal such as: pigs, goats, chickens, etc. that may be found in urban zones. Thus we have implemented an educative campaign to try to relocate these animals to the rural areas as legally required due to a municipal order. It is necessary to reduce their numbners in the urban zones because of the clear risks to public health and to wildlife.

Research

Many of the proposed activities require special attention to the needs of the islands. Hence it is necessary to investigate the best methodologies by means of experimentation, assessment of foreign techniques and the exchange of experience with other projects around the world.

To see the summary of one research project to determine the incidence of leptospirosis in the canine population of San Cristóbal by Maria Cristina Cely C. please click here.