Barcoding Galápagos - Barcodes for all Galápagos multicellular organisms

The Galápagos Islands are a unique place, renowned for their endemic biodiversity and conservation importance. However, like many ecosystems around the world, they face challenges. To take conservation of the islands to a new level, the Barcoding Galápagos project was launched — an initiative that combines science and community.

You may have wondered about the headline. We know barcodes from the supermarket, but what do they have to do with the Galápagos? It is an unusual idea that every species in this archipelago should have a barcode. So, the question arises:

DNA is the basis of all life. Each species has a unique genetic code that distinguishes it from others. DNA barcoding analyses a small sequence of the genome to identify species. This method is more accurate than conventional techniques, which describe and categorize species mainly on the basis of their external appearance. However, because it is often very difficult to reliably identify a species based solely on its directly visible morphological characteristics, many taxonomies are now considered outdated. Scientists currently estimate that there are more than 8.7 million species in the world, of which only a small proportion have been scientifically classified. 

This is a common refrain among scientists who study endangered species and the loss of genetic diversity. Only if we know the genome, i.e., all the genetic information of a species, in addition to the macroscopically visible characteristics, will we be able to assess whether a species is endangered or not. After all, the genetic diversity of a species is a prerequisite for its long-term survival. 

An example of this is the discovery made by Prof. Sebastian Steinfartz, who in 2017, following genetic analysis, found that there are a total of 11 subspecies of marine iguanas. And that on San Cristobal, two subspecies have even evolved side by side, living just a few kilometers apart. Unfortunately, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), all of these marine iguanas are threatened with extinction. Dr. Amy MacLeod has just returned from a census of the animals. We hope to have more information on this soon.

Being able to reliably identify a species based on a small section of its DNA allows us to more quickly and sustainably record the species in an ecosystem. Each species has a unique set of genes. This is then given a unique barcode. The goal is to create a comprehensive genetic catalogue of all living things in the Galápagos, from the iconic giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies to microorganisms. With around 9,000 known species, this seems feasible given the manageable complexity of the island system.

After extracting genes from the DNA samples taken, scientists can see how closely related different groups or individuals of a species are. This also reveals the genetic diversity of a species. In the future, this will make it much easier to find suitable breeding partners and thus ensure the conservation of a species. Researchers also believe that barcoding will lead to the discovery of more new species than ever before. Unfortunately, our current knowledge of which species are important for an ecosystem and to what extent is quite limited. This makes it difficult to implement sustainable conservation measures in a unique place like the Galápagos Islands.

1. Study and protect biodiversity: Many species in the Galápagos, especially coral fish and microorganisms, have been little studied. DNA barcoding could even identify new species.
2. Fighting invasive species: Barcoding will help to identify and combat the threats posed by introduced species.
3. Sustainable species conservation: Genetic analysis can optimize breeding and reintroduction programs.
4. Monitoring illegal activities: From shark finning to wildlife trafficking, DNA barcoding can help track and prosecute such crimes.

Although we regularly report on research projects in the Galápagos Islands, and many new discoveries are made, many species in the archipelago remain unexplored. These are mainly the coral reef fish and microorganisms that make up the majority of the islands' biodiversity. The 'Barcoding Galápagos' project aims to fill this knowledge gap by sequencing the genomes of all species living in the archipelago. This includes not only giant tortoises, marine iguanas, land iguanas and mockingbirds, but also all plant species such as scalesia trees, mangroves and opuntia cacti, as well as insects and microbes. 

This may sound like an ambitious undertaking, but experts believe that cataloging all the species in the Galápagos ecosystem is both realistic and feasible. The natural isolation of the Galápagos Islands makes them perfect for such a project; due to the archipelago's volcanic origin, scientists estimate that there are 'only' 9,000 different species of multicellular organisms.

The project also has a social dimension. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a drastic decline in tourism, which is the livelihood of many residents. Barcoding Galapagos provides an alternative source of income by training and employing over 84 local people — including naturalists and farmers — in sample collection and laboratory work.

To date, more than 400 species have been sequenced, and local workers have gained valuable new skills. This investment in the community not only strengthens conservation but also contributes to economic resilience.

This Galápagos barcode library will help scientists and conservationists decide which animals are best suited for reintroduction projects or where there are problems in the ecosystem. Another benefit of this database is the ability to identify invasive species and their origin. This will allow better conservation measures to be developed in the future and more targeted support to be given to ongoing projects. Illegal trade in animals and plants will also be made more difficult if it is easier to identify individual species quickly.

The vision is clear: a genetic catalog of everything that lives on the Galápagos Islands, as a basis for innovative conservation and sustainable development.

 Help us support this pioneering initiative!

By donating, you will help ensure that in the future it will be possible to better understand the evolution of living things and how they adapt to living conditions on the Galápagos Islands. Your support will enable the implementation of a project where technology, community, and conservation work hand in hand, paving the way for Galápagos Conservation 2.0.