Scientists Warn Strong El Niño Could Harm Galápagos Wildlife

Scientists warn that an unusually strong El Niño could severely damage the Galápagos Islands’ unique wildlife and ecosystems. NOAA forecasts sea temperatures about 2.2 degrees Celsius above normal, threatening plankton, algae and small fish that support penguins, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, albatrosses, sea lions and other species; food shortages can halt reproduction, drive animals to disperse and cause starvation. Heavy rainfall could also endanger the archipelago’s remaining Scalesia forests and shoreline cacti by accelerating the spread of invasive plants. Ecuador’s government, conservation groups and nongovernmental organizations are preparing measures including invasive-species removal, seed collection and nursery programs.