Abstract
THE giant tortoises and large iguanid lizards, which are a noteworthy feature of the fauna of the Galapagos Islands, have been greatly reduced in numbers during the last hundred and fifty years on account of their value as a source of oil, meat and leather. Many species are already extinct, and the numbers of others have passed below that minimum limit beyond which a species is unlikely to recover. Their commercial importance has now largely disappeared, but a new factor has arisen which menaces not only the larger reptiles but also the whole fauna. Pigs, dogs, cats and rats, introduced by settlers and visiting ships, are rapidly multiplying and preying heavily on the indigenous population. The danger has been apparent for many years, but it is only recently that a group of American zoologists, associated with the American Committee for International Wild Life Protection, has prevailed upon the Government of Ecuador to enact legislation to protect the fauna. The British Association has expressed to the Government of Ecuador its deep appreciation of the action taken, and has instructed its representative at the forthcoming International Zoological Congress (Dr. W. T. Caiman) to direct attention to the matter. Unfortunately, the full scope of the Ecuadorian decree is not at present known in England, but it seems that permission has been given for many of the islands to be set aside as Nature reserves, and for the protection of the native reptiles, birds and aquatic mammals throughout the entire archipelago. No provision appears to have been made for the enforcement of the decree, but it is hoped that an international committee may be formed to co-operate with the Government of Ecuador to achieve this end; Sir Edward Poulton and Mr. H. W. Parker having been nominated by the British Association as its representatives.
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Protection of the Galapagos Fauna. Nature 136, 427 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/136427a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/136427a0