Concern as evolving mosquito threatens wildlife on the Galapagos Islands

Scientists fear Galapagos wildlife will be infected with diseases brought to the island by tourists. As visitor numbers to the Galapagos have increased over the last 30 years, fears grow that mosquitoes, brought to the islands as stowaways could transmit diseases to the black salt marsh mosquito. This endemic mosquito species is unusual in it’s ability to feed on the blood of reptiles and birds as well as mammals and may transmit diseases such as West Nile Fever to rare island species. The giant tortoise, the marine iguana and the flightless cormorant are rare species which may be at risk from infection by such diseases. For more information on this go to The Independent.