In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands have long been a symbol of nature’s resilience and wonder. Recently, this archipelago added another chapter to its storied history with the rediscovery of the Galápagos rail, a bird species thought to be extinct on Floreana Island for nearly two centuries.
A Silent Forest Speaks Again
The Galápagos rail (Laterallus spilonota), a small, elusive bird endemic to the archipelago, was last documented on Floreana Island by Charles Darwin in 1835. Its disappearance was attributed to habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species such as rats and cats, which decimated native wildlife populations. For generations, the dense forests and marshes remained silent, the bird’s unique calls absent from the natural chorus.
Restoration Efforts Bear Fruit
The remarkable return of the Galápagos rail highlights more than just a species’ survival—it showcases the powerful impact of focused conservation work. For years, environmental teams have worked diligently to heal the island ecosystems, removing invasive predators and reintroducing native vegetation. These efforts have steadily transformed the environment, allowing indigenous wildlife to find refuge once more.
Notably, in 2023, a major invasive species removal operation—spearheaded by the Galápagos National Park Directorate in partnership with Fundación Jocotoco—eliminated large populations of non-native rats and cats from Floreana Island. This critical step significantly improved the chances for native animals to thrive in their natural habitat.
The Moment of Rediscovery
During their most recent annual landbird monitoring expedition on the island, teams from the Charles Darwin Foundation and Ecuador’s state agency for managing the archipelago recorded the bird’s presence at three distinct sites. The birds were present and away from human habitation and agriculture, in a grassland shaded by guava trees.
Confirmed findings include six acoustic records, two visual sightings, and one photograph. And it isn’t a coincidence that they’re back now—the site has been monitored for the Galápagos rail consistently since 2015, and this is the first year they’re back.
Birgit Fessl, Principal Investigator for landbird conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Foundation, expressed her astonishment: “This is a beautiful surprise. There are two possible explanations for these new records: either the Galápagos rail recolonized the island, or it was never truly extinct but remained undetected due to extremely low population numbers. The latter is more likely, as these birds are not strong flyers, and their presence at multiple sites suggests they have been there all along, just in very low numbers.”
Implications for Conservation
The return of the Galápagos rail underscores the importance of persistent conservation efforts. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and time, ecosystems can heal, and species thought lost can return. This event has galvanized further support for conservation programs, emphasizing the need to protect and nurture our planet’s biodiversity.
Arturo Izurieta, Director of the Galápagos National Park Directorate, highlighted the significance of this rediscovery: “This finding demonstrates that ecosystems can recover if given the opportunity. The eradication of invasive species has allowed a species we believed to be locally extinct to once again be part of Floreana’s environment.”
Looking Ahead
Scientists are now conducting genetic sampling to determine whether the newly recorded birds are from a self-reintroduced lineage or if a small population survived undetected for 190 years. Similar scenarios have occurred on nearby Rábida Island, where restoration efforts led to the rediscovery of a gecko species previously known only through subfossil records.
The rediscovery of the Galápagos rail offers hope for the resurgence of other native species and highlights the critical role of sustained conservation initiatives. As Floreana Island continues its journey toward ecological recovery, it stands as a beacon of what dedicated efforts can achieve in restoring biodiversity.
