In the heart of the Galapagos Islands, a tiny, unexpected hero emerged in 2002 that would change the course of conservation. The Australian ladybug (Novius cardinalis), small in size but immensely effective, became a crucial ally in the fight against an invasive insect that threatened to devastate the endemic flora of these islands. This is the story of how science, innovation, and nature itself came together to help preserve one of the most valuable biological treasures on the planet.

In the heart of the Galapagos Islands, a tiny, unexpected hero emerged in 2002 that would change the course of conservation. The Australian ladybug (Novius cardinalis), small in size but immensely effective, became a crucial ally in the fight against an invasive insect that threatened to devastate the endemic flora of these islands. This is the story of how science, innovation, and nature itself came together to help preserve one of the most valuable biological treasures on the planet.

It is estimated that 20% of the populations of small landbirds found on the Galapagos Islands are declining or have gone locally extinct. Our scientists work to ensure the long-term conservation of small Galapagos landbird populations for the health of the islands’ ecosystems at large.

12 Little Vermilion Flycatcher chicks fledge the nest, in most successful nesting season yet in Santa Cruz Island

Record Year for Vermilion Flycatcher Season and Advances in the Recovery of the Mangrove Finch

October 3, 2023, marks the beginning of the implementation phase of the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, the largest and most ambitious restoration initiative currently underway in the Galapagos Islands.

Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar, our lab technician was interviewed by our donor, Galapagos Conservation Trust, in which she shares her experience in studying the health of some of the islands' most endangered birds.

Behind the Floreana Finches "Flight Home": Q&A with biologist Professor Sonia Kleindorfer

Discover the Charles Darwin Foundation, established in 1959 to protect the Galapagos Islands' fragile ecosystem. As the oldest and largest science and conservation organization in the archipelago, our Research Station leads efforts to preserve this unique environment through groundbreaking research and conservation milestones.