Artistic Initiative Inspires Conservation of Darwin’s Flycatcher
Darwin’s Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus nanus), endemic to the Galápagos Islands, is known for its spectacular vermillion coloration. This bird was first documented during Charles Darwin’s expedition to Galápagos in 1835 and today still provides a memorable sighting for many of the archipelago’s visitors.
Geovanna Morales, a prominent artist from Santa Cruz Island and a recipient of grants from Galápagos Conservancy, uses an innovative and exciting way to inspire the new generations to care about this striking species, classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to threats to its habitat caused by invasive plant species.
Geovanna’s project has bridged art and nature, connecting younger generations with the beauty of Darwin’s Flycatcher. She uses field trips, outdoor activities, and exhibitions in public spaces to foster a love and respect for this species and other wildlife.
For this entrepreneurial woman, drawing and painting serve as potent instruments that surpass linguistic and cultural boundaries, enabling the conservation message to permeate throughout the Galápagos community. Through the experiences she provides, no child in Galapagos is excluded from a voyage of exploration and education about Darwin’s Flycatcher.
Galápagos Conservancy is pleased to support citizen initiatives led by entrepreneurial women like Geovanna. Their actions reflect the love that the residents of Galápagos feel for this archipelago that they have the privilege of calling home and providing a valuable contribution to help conserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Related articles you may find interesting: One species of Vermillion Flycatcher in Galápagos appears extinct. Does the same fate await another?
