The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their biodiversity and endemic species. However, the introduction of invasive species, such as cats, rats, and dogs, has caused significant declines in native biodiversity. This study aims to reconstruct historical species assemblages on Pinzón, Santa Fe, Santiago, and Rábida Islands, providing a baseline for rewilding and conservation efforts by the Galápagos National Park. By examining paleo material from lava tubes, museum specimens, and field journals, we seek to establish a pre-human baseline vertebrate community assemblage. Lava tubes, which serve as natural repositories for semi-recent faunal remains, act as pitfall traps and barn owl roosts, providing valuable evidence of past species assemblages. Paleo material will be analyzed using a combination of morphological assessments and ancient DNA (aDNA) techniques. By integrating genetic analysis with traditional morphological methods, we aim to create a more complete understanding of the historical biodiversity of these islands, including species that may have gone undetected through morphological study alone. A comparison of historical and present-day species assemblages will deepen our understanding of the impacts invasive species have had on endemic wildlife. This research will guide future translocation and restoration initiatives, contributing to the islands' ecological recovery.