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The Galapagos Islands have been put on a list of endangered World Heritage Sites by UNESCO because of the growing pressure from tourism, the UN's culture organization said yesterday.

Situated 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, the 19 islands have a unique ecosystem and in 1978 became the first to be placed on the list of World Heritage Sites.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is currently meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand, to consider new additions to the prestigious list as well as sites under threat.

In a statement released at its headquarters in Paris, UNESCO said the Galapagos islands were "threatened by invasive species, growing tourism and immigration."

"The number of days spent by passengers of cruise ships has increased by 150 per cent over the past 15 years ... This increase has fuelled a growth in immigration, and the ensuing inter-island traffic has led to the introduction of more invasive species," it said.

A major factor in the ecosystem's decline has been the introduction of dogs, cats, goats and donkeys.

The islands are home to several species not found elsewhere in the world, including the giant tortoise and the marine iguana.

The unusual local fauna inspired British scientist Charles Darwin to formulate the theory of evolution.

UNESCO also placed Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal on the endangered list because of the threat of poaching and a proposed dam on the Gambia River.

Placing a site on the endangered list is intended to be a goad to greater conservation efforts; without change, the site can lose its World Heritage status.

UNESCO's decision came despite steps taken in April by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa to limit tourist pressure on the Galapagos archipelago.

Correa signed a decree declaring the islands to be "at risk and a national priority" and issued orders limiting tourist visits and residence permits for non-natives.