21 Oct 2015

The threat El Nino poses to the Galapagos Islands

From Nine To Noon, 9:40 am on 21 October 2015

The Galapagos Islands face a major threat from the El Nino weather system - which has previously wiped out up to 50 percent of some marine animal populations.

"El Nino" causes the surface waters in the tropical sections of the Pacific Ocean to warm every three to five years.

The Galapagos archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity. There are more endemic species there than anywhere else on Earth, including giant land tortoises and marine iguanas.

Environmental consultant Julian Fitter lived in the Galapagos islands for several years and founded the Galapagos Conservation Trust - he has written several books including Wildlife of the Galapagos.