The work to help save the Floreana mockingbird, Darwin's inspiration, featured in the first episode of BBC 2's documentary programme, Museum of Life.
The Floreana mockingbird is the flagship of Project Floreana, a five year plan to save this rare species and restore Floreana, its native island. Project Floreana is a key element of GCT's 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos. In addition to supporting the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in Galapagos for this work, GCT has awarded a grant of £16,470 to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to help fund a field worker jointly managed by CDF in Galapagos.
GCT's chief executive, Toni Darton, said: "The Critically Endangered Floreana mockingbird Mimus trifasciatus helped inspire Darwin to develop his theory of natural selection. This iconic bird now only exists on two small offshore islands. A recent population estimate gives a total of approximately 470 birds. This is why this work is of the upmost importance and we are delighted to be working with both DWCT and CDFon this project."
The reintroduction of the mockingbird forms part of Project Floreana, a new multidisciplinary restoration project in Galapagos. This remains one of GCT's flagship projects and we were delighted to raise over £150,000 towards this in its first year. Project Floreana is uniquely different from previous large scale conservation efforts in Galapagos. It represents the first time that such a project will be carried out on an inhabited island, albeit with a small population of 120.
Most importantly, the plan requires integrating the human population into conservation actions. The Floreana inhabitants are the guardians of the island, and any restoration programme needs to proceed in step with the inhabitants´ wishes. GCT is also funding various strands to help local people understand and get involved with the conservation needs of Floreana.
The Floreana mockingbird is the flagship of Project Floreana, a five year plan to save this rare species and restore Floreana, its native island. Project Floreana is a key element of GCT's 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos. In addition to supporting the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in Galapagos for this work, GCT has awarded a grant of £16,470 to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to help fund a field worker jointly managed by CDF in Galapagos.
GCT's chief executive, Toni Darton, said: "The Critically Endangered Floreana mockingbird Mimus trifasciatus helped inspire Darwin to develop his theory of natural selection. This iconic bird now only exists on two small offshore islands. A recent population estimate gives a total of approximately 470 birds. This is why this work is of the upmost importance and we are delighted to be working with both DWCT and CDFon this project."
The reintroduction of the mockingbird forms part of Project Floreana, a new multidisciplinary restoration project in Galapagos. This remains one of GCT's flagship projects and we were delighted to raise over £150,000 towards this in its first year. Project Floreana is uniquely different from previous large scale conservation efforts in Galapagos. It represents the first time that such a project will be carried out on an inhabited island, albeit with a small population of 120.
Most importantly, the plan requires integrating the human population into conservation actions. The Floreana inhabitants are the guardians of the island, and any restoration programme needs to proceed in step with the inhabitants´ wishes. GCT is also funding various strands to help local people understand and get involved with the conservation needs of Floreana.
