Massive goat eradication effort in the Galapagos uses Judas goats to protect native wildlife

Project Isabela, launched in 1997 by the Galapagos Conservancy, Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation, targeted invasive goats that had devastated native plants across the islands. The $10.5 million campaign combined ground hunters, trained dogs, aerial surveillance and helicopters to remove goats from three key regions, including northern Isabela where over 55,000 animals were taken out in the first seven months.

As numbers dwindled, the program introduced about 770 sterilised Judas goats fitted with transmitter collars; their social behaviour led them to remaining herds, revealing their locations to hunters. By eliminating roughly 99% of the goats, the project opened space for native trees, shrubs and cacti to regrow, boosting habitats for species such as the Galápagos rail. Ongoing monitoring is required to prevent new introductions and to support the continued recovery of the islands' ecosystems.