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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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ARCHIPIELÁGO DE COLON (GALÁPAGOS) |
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| General Description | The Archipiélago de Colón –(Galápagos) Biosphere Reserve (also a National Park and a World Heritage site), is situated in the east Pacific Ocean, 1,000 km from the mainland of Ecuador, with the equator running through the Wolf and Ecuador volcanoes on Isabella Island. Situated on the Galapagos Submarine Platform, the Galapagos Islands consist of 13 islands formed 4 million years ago by volcanic processes and most represent the summit of a volcano, some of which rise over 3,000 meters from the Pacific Ocean floor. The larger islands typically comprise one or more gently sloping shield volcanoes, culminating in craters or calderas and the terrain are generally composed of uplifted marine lava flows. More than 250 species are non-native introductions occurring predominantly around human settlements. Coastal vegetation, influenced by the presence of salt, occurs along beaches, salt-water lagoons and low, broken, boulder-strewn shores. The endemic fauna includes invertebrate, reptile and bird species. There are a few indigenous mammals. All the reptiles are endemic, except two marine tortoises, and include giant tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus) , terrestrial iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus and C. pallidus), and marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus). The 1999 resident population numbered some 15,600 persons. Freshwater is a critically limiting factor, and only San Cristobal has adequate perennial supplies for the local human population. Tourism, cattle grazing and fishing are key components of the islands' economy. Immigration from the mainland is uncontrolled and increasing. Approximately 49,000 foreign and 14,000 national tourists visited the islands in 1997. The Government of Ecuador, IUCN and UNESCO - WCH, support the Charles Darwin Research Station jointly and work in programmes, which assist in the management of the reserve. | |||
| Major ecosystem type | Tropical humid forests / Marine archipelago | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Littoral zone; arid habitats; Scalesia forest composed of S. pedunculata, S. microcephala and S. cordata; Miconia communities with M. robinsoniana; Matazarno forest with Piscidia carthagenensis; fern- and sedge communities; marine habitats; agroecosystems with coffee, tomato, pepper, fruit etc.; pasture land. | |||
| Location |
North: Darwin Island: 01°39'N; 92°00'W South: Floreana Island: 01°17'S; 90°26'W East: San Cristóbal Island: 00°48'S; 89°25'W West: Fernandina Island: 00°22'S; 91°31'W |
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| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 14,761,844 | |||
| Core area(s) | 65,040 | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | 696,804 (defined as primitive-, special use- and visitor use zone) | |||
| Transition area(s) when given | 14,000,000 (marine reserve zone) | |||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | 0 to +1,707 | |||
| Year designated | 1984 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Parque Nacional Galápagos | |||
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| Brief description |
Geology and meteorology Galapagos giant tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus) breeding and raising in captivity Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) breeding in captivity Dark-rumped petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) conservation Eradication and control of introduced organisms Restoration of plant communities |
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| Specific variables... | ||||
| Abiotic | Geology, meteorology. | |||
| Biodiversity | Birds, breeding/reproduction, community studies/communities, conservation, plants, reintroduction, reptiles, restoration/rehabilitation/redevelopment. | |||
| Socio-economic | n.a. | |||
| Integrated monitoring | Management issues. | |||
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| Contact address |
Danny Rueda Córdoba Parque Nacional Galápagos Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayola Santa Cruz Ecuador |
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| Telephone | (593,2) 3987600 ext. 1420 (593) 098316916 (celular) |
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| Fax | (593.5) 52 61 90 | |||
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drueda@spng.org.ec wtapia@spng.org.ec |
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| Web site | http://www.galapagospark.org | |||
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| Last updated: 08/03/2011 |
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