Exploring the Impact and Management of Invasive Earthworms: last day of the workshop

Welcome back to our Galapagos trip blog! On day 6 of our expedition, we delved into the effects of invasive earthworms on the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. With a focus on management options and monitoring strategies, the final day of our workshop proved to be enlightening and thought-provoking.

Understanding the Effects of Invasive Earthworms: Jaime took the lead on the final day, delivering a presentation on his previous findings from Santa Cruz Island. He highlighted the correlation between the invasion of Rubus niveus (mora) and the presence of exotic earthworms. Jaime also discussed potential control mechanisms and the challenges of implementing eradication plans for these invasive earthworms.

Exciting Workshop Results: As the presentation concluded, we shared the results obtained during the workshop, which proved to be incredibly interesting. Despite just a few days of work by the participants, we gathered valuable insights into the distribution of exotic earthworms in the Galapagos. Notably, we found that Pontoscolex was more abundant in the reforested Scalesia site, while Megascolecids thrived in the protected Scalesia forest. This led us to question whether Pontoscolex was introduced to the reforested area through the plants used for reforestation or if it was present there prior. Further investigation is needed to shed light on this intriguing point.

Collaborative Discussions on Monitoring Plans: Following a much-needed coffee break, the participants gathered in groups to discuss potential monitoring plans for exotic earthworms in Galapagos and the associated political considerations. Each group presented their ideas, which we would take into account for future management plans. It was a collaborative effort that sparked innovative approaches to address the invasive nature of these earthworms.

Productivity and Awareness: Overall, the workshop proved to be highly productive, raising awareness about the invasive nature of exotic earthworms in the Galapagos. The participants provided positive feedback and expressed their eagerness to implement the knowledge gained and share it with their colleagues in their respective institutions. Additionally, we gained valuable insights from their own experiences in their day-to-day activities, further enriching our understanding of the challenges faced in managing invasive species.

Closure and Certificates: To mark the end of the workshop, Dra Marilyn Cruz Bedon, the director of the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), presented certificates to the participants. Words of appreciation and encouragement were shared by Dra Marilyn Cruz Bedon, Marta, and Viviana, providing a fitting closure to the event.

Visiting the Fundación Darwin: To conclude the day, Marta and Luis paid a visit to the Fundación Darwin. They explored the remarkable work being done there and captured memorable moments through photographs. Stay tuned for a separate post featuring these snapshots.

Conclusion: Day 6 of our Galapagos adventure marked the culmination of our workshop on invasive earthworms. Through informative presentations, group discussions, and productive collaborations, we deepened our understanding of the impact of these invaders and explored potential management strategies. As our journey continues, we remain committed to preserving the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands and sharing our experiences with you.

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