International Research Fellowship with the Charles Darwin Research Station : Conservation and Management of Land Birds in the Galápagos Islands

Abstract

The Galápagos Islands are currently experiencing a massive population decline of several land bird species including the Galápagos Flycatcher and the Vermillion Flycatcher. One of the most imminent threats to these land birds is the presence of the invasive fly, Philornis downsi. The larvae of this parasite feed on the blood of recently hatched chicks and lead to high levels of fledgling mortality. During the summer of 2016, analysis of videos taken from nest cameras was completed using BORIS computer software. This data was then sent to collaborators at the University of Minnesota for further pattern analysis and use in developing biological control methods of P. downsi.