A near extinct plant in Galápagos is now recovering

A 30-year effort to save a critically endangered plant called the Galápagos snapdragon has shown promising results. Once thought to be extinct, this plant was found to have only six individuals left in 2007, clinging to rocky cracks on the volcanic slopes of Isabela Island. In a groundbreaking 2021 discovery, researchers found evidence of the plant's ability to reproduce naturally, with four new seedlings emerging in the wild—a crucial step towards self-sustaining populations.

However, these seedlings did not survive a subsequent drought, highlighting the ongoing threat of water scarcity to the plant's survival. Over the years, the project has employed various strategies to combat this challenge, including the use of a specialized watering device called the Groasis Waterboxx, which helped the young plants establish strong roots before they could grow above ground.

As a result of these efforts, today there are 28 adult Galápagos snapdragons thriving at two sites—20 at Playa Tortuga Negra and eight at Caleta Tagus, the original discovery site. The project's success underscores the importance of combining historical botanical knowledge with modern conservation techniques, as well as the critical role of collaboration among scientists, rangers, field staff, and volunteers.

With these lessons learned, the project aims to serve as a model for restoring other endangered island species.