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A Stronger-than-Normal El Nino Alarms Scientists over Galápagos Wildlife and Forests
Scientists say the stronger El Niño could cut vertebrate populations by at least 20% and threaten penguins, cacti and forests.
A strong El Niño with sea temperatures rising about 2.2°C above normal threatens the Galápagos Islands' wildlife, as experts note "the impact will be significant."
As water temperatures rise, scientist Gustavo Jiménez of the Charles Darwin Foundation warned that "animal colonies stop reproducing," disperse in search of food, and face starvation.
Data from the Charles Darwin Foundation indicates the archipelago's vertebrate population could decrease by at least 20% this year, threatening iconic species like penguins and sea lions.
The Ecuadorian government and local foundations have organized mitigation efforts including invasive plant eradication and nurseries because "these species need human support," per Statement 9.
Declared a Natural World Heritage Site in 1978, the archipelago of more than 230 islands holds unique biodiversity that inspired scientist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
The forecast that the El Niño phenomenon will be this season stronger than normal has set the alarm in the Ecuadorian scientific community, which warned about its impact on the species of fauna and flora of the Galapagos Islands.