This Is What Happens to Goats If You Throw Them on an Island
WATOP
15 min, 49 sec
The video discusses the ecological impact of goats on the Galapagos Islands, the measures taken to control their population, and the recovery of the native species.
Summary
- Goats introduced to Galapagos Islands caused severe ecological damage by eating native vegetation, threatening the survival of endemic species like the giant tortoises.
- Project Isabela, running from 1997 to 2006, aimed to eliminate the goats using hunters, the military, and a creative Judas goat method, which involved using sterilized goats with radio trackers to locate the remaining goat population.
- The removal of goats allowed the native flora to recover, aiding the restoration of the giant tortoise population and other endemic species.
- The goats were not removed for consumption due to logistical challenges and the importance of allowing the goat carcasses to decompose and return nutrients to the local ecosystem.
- The Galapagos ecosystem is showing signs of improvement, with the return of species like the land iguanas and successful breeding programs for giant tortoises.
Chapter 1
Introduction to the ecological challenges posed by goats on the Galapagos Islands.
- Introducing goats to a remote island like the Galapagos led to overgrazing and ecological damage as goats can access almost all areas.
- The goat population began to increase alarmingly in the late 1980s, likely due to El Niño affecting vegetation patterns.
Chapter 2
The negative impact of goats on the Galapagos giant tortoises and their habitat.
- Goats competed with native Galapagos tortoises for food and water, decimating the delicate habitat and threatening tortoise survival.
- Tortoises used local forests as a source of fresh water during dry seasons, but goats destroyed this resource by eating all the plants.
Chapter 3
Initial unsuccessful efforts to control the goat population on the Galapagos Islands.
- The Ecuadorian government's call for hunters to control the goat population led to issues such as accidental shootings, getting lost, and heart attacks among hunters.
- The military's involvement failed to eliminate all the goats, as the remaining population had to be completely cleared to prevent further ecological damage.
Chapter 4
Description of Project Isabela and the innovative Judas goat method used to eradicate the remaining goat population.
- Project Isabela utilized specialized training, advanced tools, and substantial firepower to eliminate 150,000 to 200,000 goats over six years.
- The Judas goat method involved sterilizing, dyeing, and tracking a number of goats to locate and eliminate the hidden populations.
Chapter 5
The successful recovery of the Galapagos ecosystem following the removal of goats.
- The native plants of the Galapagos Islands quickly recovered after the goats were removed, aiding the revival of native species.
- Notably, the giant tortoise population is now rebounding, with the discovery of a female tortoise from a species thought to be extinct.
Chapter 6
Discussion on the ethical considerations of goat eradication and the importance of nutrient cycles.
- Ethical dilemmas arose from the mass extermination of goats, considering the welfare of wild animals.
- Leaving the goat carcasses to decompose naturally returned valuable nutrients to the island's ecosystem.
Chapter 7
Exploration of ongoing conservation efforts and challenges in the Galapagos Islands.
- The Isabella project was successful in eradicating goats from target areas by 2006, but goat-related issues persist on three islands.
- Feral goats are considered invasive in the Galapagos, but in places like Salem, Oregon, they are used to control other invasive plant species.
Chapter 8
The return and recovery of other endangered species in the Galapagos Islands.
- Land iguanas, once endangered, are now prospering in the Galapagos due to improved conditions after the goat eradication.
- Conservation efforts have also seen success with the breeding of Espanola tortoises, particularly Diego, who contributed significantly to the population.