Invasive Frogs Threaten Galápagos’ Unique Ecosystem

The Galápagos Islands, famous for their pristine ecosystems that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, face a new ecological crisis. Hundreds of thousands of invasive Fowler’s snouted treefrogs have colonized the archipelago, which naturally had no amphibian species before their arrival.

Biologist Miriam San José from the Charles Darwin Research Station is leading efforts to understand this unprecedented invasion. Using recording devices placed overnight near ponds and vegetation, she captures the distinctive croaks of Scinax quinquefasciatus—scientific evidence of how extensively these South American frogs have spread across the islands.

The invasion represents a significant threat to the Galápagos’ legendary biodiversity. These islands have long served as a living laboratory for evolutionary science precisely because of their isolated ecosystems and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The introduction of any non-native species can disrupt delicate food webs and compete with indigenous wildlife for resources.

Scientists are racing to assess the full scope of the problem and its potential consequences. The frogs could impact native insects, birds, and reptiles, though researchers are still determining exactly how severe the ecological damage might be. This invasion highlights the ongoing vulnerability of island ecosystems to invasive species, often introduced accidentally through human activities like shipping and tourism. The Galápagos, despite their protected status, continue to face mounting pressure from globalization and climate change, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.