invasive species

Puerto Ayora


Baltra


Guayaquil

No, I'm not talking about our group...though we were probably more invasive than we needed to be at times. I'm talking about the the fragile (and one-of-a-kind) ecosystem of the Galápagos. (Read more here.) Interesting measures are being taken to prevent the presence of more invasive species on the islands.

First, the airplane was fumigated while on the ground in Guayaquil. You can see this happening in the photograph. (The flight attendant in front has a small aerosol can he is spraying into the overhead compartments.) I couldn't take the fumigation very seriously 1) because we were on board the airplane when it happened 2) rumor has it a fly survived the fumigation. Maybe it's a good idea, but I question its effectiveness.

Second, after deboarding the plane in Baltra everyone must step on a spongy, blue mat. This helps rid your shoes of dirt, debris and, most importantly, seeds. You also step on these mats every time you leave and/or enter a new island. Remember, the islands don't all share the same ecosystem.

Third, every time you go from one island to the next, your bags are inspected. Most of the inspections were about as serious as the fumigation on the airplane. However, a new system (law?) was put into effect in Puerto Ayora between our stays there, and the last time we left the island, the inspection was incredibly thorough. We joked that it was the most thorough inspection ever carried out on the islands. Though it's somewhat of an inconvenience to wait for the inspection (especially in a group of 28!), I don't think you can put a price on the native and endangered species of the islands. Inspect away.