Galápagos Rail (Laterallus spilonota)
Charles Darwin observed the Galápagos Rail on Floreana Island during his famous visit to the archipelago in 1835. It was never seen again on the island until recently, courtesy of the Floreana Island Restoration Project that began in October 2023.
A One-Of-A-Kind Living Laboratory
Notable for their contribution to Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galápagos Islands continue to provide refuge for many endemic species that are found nowhere else on the planet. Scientists have followed in Darwin’s footsteps and continued to study the ecology and evolution of the myriad species situated along the equator and approximately 825 miles west of Ecuador.
Thirty percent of the plants and 97 percent of the marine mammals and reptiles are endemic and can only be found in this patch of the Pacific Ocean. Over 160 bird species have been documented across the Galápagos Islands, 36 of which are classified as landbirds. The Galápagos Rail is one of 28 landbirds that are considered endemic.
Creating Opportunities for Native Species to Thrive
The Galápagos Islands’ remoteness has not precluded the intrusion of invasive species, which have negatively impacted island animals. Rails, in particular, have suffered due to the loss of dense vegetation that increases their exposure to predators and are considered ‘Near Threatened’. To support the recovery of island wildlife, a consortium of organizations (Galapagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos (DPNG), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fundación Jocotoco, and Island Conservation) initiated the Floreana Island Restoration Project, which aims to remove invasive species.
A Rediscovery Two Centuries In The Making
Although this endeavor has only been underway for over a year, Galápagos Rails are already flocking to Floreana Island, demonstrating the species’ resilience and resourcefulness. During an annual monitoring expedition, CDF and DPNG first spotted the birds far from humans among grasslands and guava trees. Acoustic recordings, additional observations, and a photograph confirmed these sightings. A similar restoration effort on the smaller Pinzón Island, just north of Floreana, saw Rails (and several other species) return in 2018, after being declared locally extinct.
“The rediscovery of the Galápagos Rail confirms what we’ve seen on islands worldwide—remove the invasive threats, and native species can recover in remarkable ways,” said Island Conservation’s Paula Castaño, our Conservation Impact Program Manager.
A Commitment to Helping Floreana Island Flourish
As the Rails (locally known as Pachays) were found in three separate locations, their presence on Floreana is considered a viable population. Scientists will now use genetic testing to see if these birds are from a small, local population that went undetected for nearly 200 years or if they have arrived from other parts of the archipelago.
According to Castaño, “This is an incredible win for Floreana, and fuels our excitement about what other native species might resurface as the island continues its journey toward ecological recovery.”
Plans are underway to re-introduce other locally extinct species that may also be able to establish self-sufficient populations on Floreana Island, including a giant tortoise, racer snake, and nine other birds including a barn owl and hawk.
