Bringing Back the Galapagos Racer to Its Former Historical Range on Floreana Island

Eli Christian

Determine the population size of Galapagos racers to guide reintroduction strategies for the species, increase our knowledge of its biology and provide training to monitor and protect this species.

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I will estimate the current population size of Galapagos racers on Champion and Gardner-by-Floreana to assess the maximum number of individuals that could be harvested for reintroduction without negatively affecting the relic population's demographic viability. I will also develop the first formal assessment of threat to all species of terrestrial snakes in Galapagos following IUCN guidelines. Currently none of these species are included in the Red List. Further, I will provide training on handling and surveying techniques to rangers from the Galapagos National Park to ensure adequate monitoring pre- and post- reintroduction. These skills will prove invaluable to both: assess the impact of removal of individuals from the relic populations and to assess population growth at release sites on Floreana Island. By developing this project I will also contribute to a better understanding of the biology of the species by collecting information on the diet, movements and age and size composition on the relic populations. All this information is crucial for the management of the Galapagos racer and will assist future management of other snake species and populations in Galapagos. Lastly, in conjunction with rangers and mangers from the Galapagos National Park I will develop an action plan for the conservation of the Galapagos racer.

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