Report on Galapagos mangroves

QMEL PhD student, Nicolas Moity, recently led the effort to assess the status of Galapagos mangroves. They concluded that mangroves there should be consider Vulnerable.

The mangroves of the Galapagos are a unique and vital ecosystem, thriving on lava rock coastlines and supporting an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Critically Endangered Mangrove Finch. These lush coastal forests play a crucial role in the region's biodiversity, providing habitats for species like sharks, sea turtles, and marine iguanas while also supporting local fishing and tourism. Despite their resilience and natural growth over recent decades, these mangroves face significant threats from rising sea levels, volcanic eruptions, invasive species, and human activity. Protecting this fragile ecosystem is essential to preserving the balance of life in the Galapagos and ensuring a sustainable future for the communities and wildlife that depend on it.