As a part of the campaign to protect the Galapagos Islands from the serious problem of introduced species, the Galapagos Conservation Trust carried out a survey of its members and supporters. The Director of the Galapagos Conservation Trust has addressed concerns and issues raised in the survey, in her letter.
| 1. |
What is your sex? |
Male |
44% |
| |
|
Female |
56% |
| |
|
|
|
| 2. |
What is your age? |
18-24 |
3% |
| |
|
25-31 |
5% |
| |
|
32-38 |
10% |
| |
|
39-45 |
9% |
| |
|
46-51 |
6% |
| |
|
52-58 |
17% |
| |
|
59-64 |
17% |
| |
|
65-69 |
15% |
| |
|
70-75 |
10% |
| |
|
Over 75 |
8% |
| |
|
|
|
| 3. |
Do you plan to visit the Galapagos Islands again? |
Yes |
32% |
| |
|
No |
17% |
| |
|
Not sure |
51% |
| |
|
|
|
| 4. |
Do you use the Internet to find news and information about Galapagos? |
Yes |
29% |
| |
|
No |
71% |
| |
|
|
|
| 5. |
Would you be interested in receiving email updates on conservation issues facing Galapagos? |
Yes |
37% |
| |
|
No |
35% |
| |
|
Not applicable |
28% |
| |
|
|
|
| 6. |
In your opinion, how much of a threat do introduced species pose to the long-term preservation of the unique biodiversity of Galapagos? |
Serious threat |
89% |
| |
|
Somewhat of a threat |
10% |
| |
|
Minor threat |
1% |
| |
|
No threat |
0% |
| |
|
|
|
| 7. |
Did you encounter introduced species such as goats, feral cats or non-native plants on the islands that you visited? |
Yes |
67% |
| |
|
No |
17% |
| |
|
Not sure |
16% |
| |
|
|
|
| 8. |
In your view, what is the single greatest contributing factor to the introduction of alien species on Galapagos? |
Poor municipal planning |
2% |
| |
|
Immigration to the islands |
34% |
| |
|
Illegal smuggling of non-native species |
12% |
| |
|
Tourism |
3% |
| |
|
Poor inspection at sea and airports |
10% |
| |
|
Lack of funds to address the problem |
39% |
| |
|
|
|
| 9. |
Do you believe that GCT has been effective in informing the public, news media and government officials about the growing problem of introduced species? |
Yes |
40% |
| |
|
No |
16% |
| |
|
Not sure |
44% |
| |
|
|
|
| 10. |
Do you believe that encouraging local residents to assist scientists in monitoring, detecting and eradicating alien plant and animal species can be an effective strategy for preserving the biodiversity of Galapagos? |
Yes |
98% |
| |
|
No |
1% |
| |
|
Not sure |
1% |
| |
|
|
|
| 11. |
Would you support increased restrictions on tourism, such as quarantine checks, to help prevent the introduction of more non-native species to Galapagos? |
Yes |
82% |
| |
|
No |
4% |
| |
|
Not sure |
14% |
| |
|
|
|
| 12. |
Which of the following statements is closest to your opinion? |
Methods other than hunting should be used to eradicate introduced species |
14% |
| |
|
Hunting is an effective, efficient way to protect Galapagos from introduced species |
77% |
| |
|
No opinion/not sure |
9% |
| |
|
|
|
| 13. |
How effective do you think GCT is at raising global awareness about conservation challenges facing Galapagos? |
Very effective |
15% |
| |
|
Somewhat effective |
65% |
| |
|
Not effective |
9% |
| |
|
Not sure |
11% |
| |
|
|
|
| 14. |
Since I became a member, GCT has addressed my concerns and kept me informed about the Galapagos-related issues that matter the most to me. |
Strongly agree |
20% |
| |
|
Agree |
65% |
| |
|
Somewhat agree |
14% |
| |
|
Somewhat disagree |
1% |
| |
|
Disagree |
0% |
| |
|
Strongly disagree |
0% |
| |
|
|
|
| 15. |
GCT supports a number of conservation activities to help protect and preserve Galapagos. In your opinion, which of the following activities are most important? |
Establishing seed banks for threatened plant species |
15% |
| |
|
Captive breeding and repatriation of giant tortoises and iguanas |
14% |
| |
|
Preserving unique Galapagos ecosystems |
14% |
| |
|
Controlling introduction of non-native plant and animal species |
14% |
| |
|
Environmental education |
13% |
| |
|
Addressing human impact issues (migration, zoning, municipal planning) |
13% |
| |
|
Building a legal framework for conservation in Galapagos |
13% |
| |
|
Other |
4% |
