Agrobiodiversity in four Islands of the Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands, officially annexed to the Republic of Ecuador in 1832, have been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Of the total land surface of the islands, 96.7% is national park land and 3.3% is a populated area made up of urban and rural areas (including crop and livestock areas). It is recognized that the islands have an important role in sustaining agricultural diversity, but that role has not been fully described until now. The objective of this study is to describe the diversity of species present in the agricultural systems of four inhabited islands of the Galapagos (Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana and San Cristobal). A representative sample of 208 farmers from these islands was interviewed, and the data collected were analyzed to assess the frequencies of various species present in the agricultural systems. The species diversity for crops, medicinal plants, native forests, introduced forests, native plants, pastures, and weeds in the agricultural systems is described. Indices of diversity by island, distribution of species by altitude on the islands, and an analysis of the various seed sources are provided.

Automated summary

This study aims to describe the diversity of species present in the agricultural systems of four inhabited islands of the Galapagos. A survey was conducted with 208 farmers from these islands, and the collected data were analyzed to assess the frequency of various species in the agricultural systems. Additionally, this study provides diversity indices for each island, examines the distribution of species at different altitudes, and analyzes the various sources of seeds.