The impact of the smooth-billed ani: an interview with Cristian Poveda | Travel News

The smooth-billed ani is considered the most damaging introduced bird species in Galapagos. Cristian Poveda, PhD student, answers about his research on this difficult species.

Can you give an overview of what your PhD is focused on and what you are hoping to achieve?

My PhD, partially funded by GCT, is centered on studying the impact of the smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani) in the Galapagos Islands and developing a management plan for this species. As part of my research, I will update population estimates of anis on Santa Cruz and establish a species-specific counting method to improve accuracy. Additionally, I will collect data on their territorial behavior, group structure (i.e., number of individuals per group), diet, and foraging strategies across the island’s different vegetation zones.

A key aspect of my research involves an experiment where I remove groups of anis to analyze how neighboring groups respond. This experiment will contribute to the ani control strategy on Floreana, which local authorities will implement to facilitate the reintroduction of species that have become locally extinct. Ultimately, my findings will help shape a management plan that can be used to monitor and regulate anis populations.

How were smooth-billed anis introduced to the Galapagos Islands?

Smooth-billed anis were deliberately introduced to the Galapagos in the early 1960s. Their Spanish name, garrapatero, translates to "tick eater," which led to the misconception that they would help control a tick infestation affecting livestock at the time. While anis do consume ticks, these parasites make up only a small portion of their diet, which consists mainly of invertebrates, fruits, and seeds—especially during the dry season.

Although there is no formal scientific record of their introduction, anecdotal reports suggest that farmers were responsible for bringing them to the islands. In 2024, while conducting fieldwork, I heard this story firsthand from a farmer, Clemente Troya, on Santa Cruz. He was intrigued by my research and shared details about how anis were introduced as a biological control measure in the 1960s.

What impact has the smooth-billed ani had on native species in Galapagos?

 

There is limited direct evidence of the impact anis have had on the Galapagos ecosystem. However, global studies have documented their predation on local biodiversity, including endemic finch nestlings (Cooke et al., 2020), as well as their role in dispersing invasive plant species like the highly destructive invasive hill raspberry (Connette et al., 2016). My research will contribute updated data to reassess these ecological impacts and provide insights into the severity of the ani’s influence on the archipelago.

What do you find most rewarding about working in the field?

Fieldwork was one of the main reasons I chose to pursue a career in biology. My mother, an environmental engineer, often took me on her field trips when I was younger, sparking my passion for nature—especially birds. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of conducting fieldwork in Ecuador, which has allowed me to explore extraordinary places and gain a deeper understanding of wildlife from an ecological perspective.

Despite its many rewards, fieldwork presents numerous challenges. For me, these challenges have been an opportunity to develop valuable skills that extend beyond scientific research. Fieldwork has taught me resilience, perseverance, patience, and self-awareness—qualities that are essential not only for research but for life in general.

What advice would you give someone just starting their career in research and conservation?

Research and conservation go hand in hand; one cannot be effective without the other. Understanding the ecological impacts of invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss is crucial for making informed decisions to mitigate these threats. However, learning about these issues can sometimes be overwhelming and discouraging.

It is important to channel any frustration into motivation. Instead of feeling helpless, we must use our knowledge and passion to drive positive change. Protecting the environment requires continuous effort, and staying committed to conservation is essential to preserving our planet and its biodiversity.

What are your favorite terrestrial and marine species in Galapagos and why?

 

Top 3 Terrestrial Species:

   

• Galapagos rice rat – During my first fieldwork trip to Santa Fe, these small rodents unexpectedly became my camp companions. They would sneak around, chewing on anything they could find. Despite their mischief, I found them to be fascinating and beautiful animals.
• Galapagos hawk – This was the first species I studied in the Galapagos. Raptors are typically elusive, but in the field, Galapagos hawks are incredibly curious and often perch nearby, observing people.
• Hawk moths – My undergraduate thesis focused on plant-pollinator interactions in mainland Ecuador, specifically between hummingbirds and plants. While the Galapagos lacks hummingbirds, hawk moths play a similar ecological role, pollinating flowers while feeding on nectar. Their interactions with plants are both vital and mesmerizing.

 

Top 3 Marine Species:

   

• Orcas – Although not endemic to the Galapagos, I admire their social structures and bold nature. In 2023, during a marine iguana monitoring trip, I was fortunate to witness a pair of orcas while sailing—a moment I will never forget.
• Galapagos fur seals – My first encounter with these seals was during a volunteer project monitoring iguanas on Fernandina at Espinosa Point, one of the most remote locations in the archipelago. Watching their playful behavior, particularly among pups, was truly captivating.
• Flightless cormorants – These birds are a remarkable example of evolution in action. Their inability to fly, shaped by environmental conditions, showcases how species adapt over time. When I visited Espinosa Point, I observed a large group of flightless cormorants up close, an experience that deepened my appreciation for them.