Home to giant sea tortoises, marine iguanas, and flamingoes, the Galapagos Islands are one the most unique ecosystems on planet Earth. Sadly, however, recent trends are making efforts to conserve this natural treasure a difficult challenge. This according to the Environmental News Network, which reports how wildlife experts are becoming increasingly concerned about how Equador, which has historically been supportive of conservation, has released some 150 of its 226 park staff and has suspended much training. Only one patrol boat now provides monitoring, and with increasing pressures from fishing interests that want to exploit the islands’ rich marine reserve, only time will tell if the wonder of this island will soon drift away.