Flightless cormorant  (Phalacrocorax harrisi)

The fact the species cannot fly, coupled with its lack of dispersal tendencies mean that it is highly vulnerable to disturbance by humans and environmental disasters such as oil pollution (2). Furthermore, it is entirely fearless of humans, which further increases its susceptibility to disturbance (2). In the past, introduced feral dogs were a great threat to the species on Isabela, but they have since been eradicated from the island (3). Future introduction of rats or cats to Fernandina is a huge potential threat to the species (2). Fishing with nets poses a current threat to the species; this not only reduces the availability of the cormorant’s food, but also often results in birds becoming caught in the nets and killed (3). The fact that this uniquely adapted bird is found in such a small range and in such small numbers greatly increases its vulnerability to chance events such as environmental disasters, extreme climatic events and the introduction of diseases or predators. Unfortunately, marine perturbations such as those caused by El Niño events appear to be becoming increasingly extreme (1).

All populations of this endangered species are found within the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve; furthermore, the archipelago was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979 (2). The Charles Darwin Research Station has monitored the species regularly to keep track of fluctuations in numbers over time (3). Conservation proposals include the continuation of annual monitoring programmes, the reduction of disturbance by humans and the prevention of fishing with nets in the foraging range of the cormorant (2).