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Galapagos Islands ban fireworks to protect animals

Fireworks have been banned by authorities on the Galapagos Islands to prevent animals from suffering.

Conservationists have said that animals suffer from elevated heart rates, trembling and anxiety after pyrotechnic events.

The sale, use and transportation of fireworks have been prohibited.

President of the local council, Lorena Tapia, said: “This is a gift conservation for Ecuador and the world.

“Ecosystems as sensitive as that of the Galapagos Islands are affected [by fireworks], especially its fauna, which is unique.”

Fireworks that produce light but no sound have been excluded from the ban.

The ban, which came about after a campaign launched in 2017, comes into immediate effect.

The Ecuadorean government is under increasing pressure to do more to protect its sensitive ecosystems.

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