DARWIN DAY 2005 AT CDF

22nd August, 2005

A special day has arrived in Galapagos - Darwin Day 2005. This annual event highlights the efforts made by the Charles Darwin Foundation to conserve the endemic flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands.

The event is to be held on Santa Cruz from 8 - 10 September. It is hoped that at least 5000 people will attend, including students and the local community.

The programme includes the opening of an educational exhibition at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where the research carried out by staff will be exhibited in an interactive way that encourages participation from the community in Galapagos.

Subjects covered in the exhibition include:

• "Marine ecosystems and fishery of the Red Lobster (Panulirus penicilatus) and the Green Lobster (Panulirus gracilis)". This exhibition will be held in a humid laboratory with several marine habitats on display, as well as the lobster itself, its ecology and information about the lobster fishery.
• Plant disease and the impact of diseases on the native and endemic plants in the islands, as well as on the plantations in the agricultural zone.
• Restoration work on the visitors site "Los Gemelos". The 140 hectare area is located in the northern area of Santa Cruz, and has a significant area of Scalesia pedunculata forest, but is combating invasive plants such as cedar and grass.
• Monitoring of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Since 2002, CDF has collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the CIMEI in monitoring the mosquito. Thanks to this research, scientists now know the sites around Santa Cruz with a high incidence of the mosquito and how to combat a potential dengue fever epidemic. Several educational programmes have been carried out so far, to inform the community of the dangers of the mosquito.
• Mortality of wild birds along the highway from Baltra. CDF, with the support of the Environmental Police, have started a campaign highlighting the continuing deaths of the birds along the road, and the 'hotspots' where the deaths are occurring.

The Charles Darwin Foundation exists to provide knowledge and support to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos Archipelago through scientific research and complementary actions.

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