this Galapagos Islandsa paradise for theories of origin species selection and natural evolution charles darwin are in danger as the effects of climate change may affect the diversity present in the region.
A team of scientists analyzed the consequences “El Niño” phenomenon As one of the main reasons why many species of birds survive Avian Influenza.
In fact, archipelago authorities have had to implement safety measures to prevent the death of many endemic species.
rules have been imposed Biosecurity, continuous monitoring and shut down tourism on some islands to stem the spread of the disease.
“We’ve done what we can, with appropriate technology in place, and I think it’s had an effect,” the director said. Galapagos National ParkArturo Izurieta on the control of diseases in the archipelago.
researcher’s Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) They investigated whether this climate phenomenon had an impact on the rate at which the H5N1 virus that causes avian influenza spreads.
Four species of birds infected with avian influenza
Gustavo Jiménez Uzcátegui, a scientist who leads CDF’s seabird project, told EFE that after multiple monitoring sessions and hundreds of samples they had identified four species of affected birds Birds affected by influenza: Red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, Nazca birds and frigatebirds.
Test results showed 34 positive cases among birds, but of the remaining deaths, “it has not been proven” that they were caused by bird flu, he said, noting that Ground Zero was caused by bird flu. Pointe de Pitt on San Cristóbal Islandand there are also situations like this Genovese Island, Darwin Island, Wolf Island and Lobos Island.
Another part of the ongoing investigation in the archipelago is why the disease does not spread as easily as it does in areas of Peru, Chile and Ecuador.
The virus is contagious Due to transfer of equipment or humans and mechanical transfer from diseased to healthy animals.
A bird is infected Avian Influenza It can die in less than 48 hours, and more infections occur in winter.
The pros and cons of El Niño in the Galapagos Islands
Jimenez said avian influenza arrived in the Galapagos Islands in September 2023 and that the virus spread to the islands through affected individuals, “probably from the breeding areas of the Galapagos Islands.”
Experts believe that although El Niño is a phenomenon that occurs more frequently, it climate changemay help spread Virus It’s slow and won’t affect more birds.
“The hypothesis we put forward is that because boyTemperatures rise and keeping them that way prevents viruses from becoming more active in affecting different species,” he noted.
at present, Researchers They will continue to monitor the impact of this meteorological phenomenon, especially when the hot season passes, and this weather may continue until mid-2024.
“El Niño can be a positive just to keep the disease from being as deadly and active as it is during normal cold seasons. El Niño and La Niña have both positive and negative aspects over thousands of years. Species and Habitats years of land Galapagos Islands
and these species evolved accordingly,” the expert added.Galapagos Islands declared since 1978 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the natural heritage of mankind.
What is El Niño?
According to Ecuadorian Infopalante, boy In the country and nearby areas they feel increased rainfall, which leads meFloods, landslides, damage to crops and infrastructure.
This phenomenon occurs every two to seven years, with varying intensities, and the area’s waters Eastern Pacific According to CNN, temperatures could be 4 degrees Celsius above normal.
According to information from EFE