The presence of introduced species in Galapagos brings about alteration and damage to the environment as well as to human beings. Control efforts have been directed at the protected areas of the Galapagos National Park, while fewer actions have been focused on managing these problems in inhabited places. To deal with this need, an Inter-Institutional Management Committee for Introduced Species (IMCIS) - a voluntary membership organization with representatives from several different local institutions - was created on each island.
These forums are intended to assist in reducing potential conflicts and backing effective participation from groups involved in introduced species control. They are located in San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands, San Cristobal’s being the first in implementing actions in 2001.
Its creation was developed under an institutional collaboration framework and defined by the local municipality ordinance, which regulates the conditions and restrictions to be applied upon the holding of domestic animals inside the urban perimeter.
Institutional members of the IMCIS in each island include: the Municipal Government, the Galapagos National Park, the Ecuadorian Agricultural Health Service, the National Police Environmental Protection Unit, the Galapagos National Institute, the Health Ministry, the WildAid Foundation, the Araucaria Foundation and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
IMCIS achievements have been: the rock pigeon Columbia livia eradication campaign in Puerto Ayora and San Cristobal; the pets (cats and dogs) handling and sterilization program in San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela; the handling and management of pets programs and educational campaigns addressed to the local population and involving elemental education centers in San Cristobal and Isabela. Still in the planning stage are the campaigns for rat eradication from populated zones on inhabited islands.
As part of its pets handling campaign in San Cristóbal, IMCIS staff and collaborators capture stray dogs in the city streets at night. Captured animals are returned home where possible, or offered for adoption. IMCIS also offers a very successful sterilization program for cats and dogs, and this has been well received by the local community.