Help Support Our Conservation Research!
Updated April 2026
Updated April 2026
Given the current science and conservation funding landscape in the United States, we are seeking donations to support our research in the Galapagos Islands.
Your support will help us save Darwin's finches from:
1) Avian vampire flies that kill baby birds by drinking all their blood.
2) Feral cats that climb cacti to eat the baby birds and their moms from the nests.
1) Avian vampire flies that kill baby birds by drinking all their blood.
2) Feral cats that climb cacti to eat the baby birds and their moms from the nests.
How do we control these vampires from killing our baby finches?
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Since 2010, we have been studying the effect of avian vampire flies on Galapagos birds, including Darwin's finches. The adult flies are not parasites and look like a house fly but the larval stage (maggots) feed on the blood of baby birds and their mamas (hence "vampire fly). In some years, these flies can kill up to 100% of baby birds!!
Developed by our team, self fumigation has served as a stop gap method to help Darwin's finches and other endangered Galapagos birds. However, it can only be used over a relatively small area and does not solve the problem for all birds. For over 15 years, Galapagos scientists have been searching for a long term solution to control the fly. Over the past 7 years, scientists have found and tested a predator that specifically kills vampire flies! In 2027-2028, we hope to do a trial run to determine whether the predator will kill the fly in finch nests in San Cristobal Island. Your contributions are critical to helping kill these blood sucking vampire flies and saving Darwin's finches. |
Photo credit: unknown
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Photo credit: Gaby Mena (Dr. Knutie's student)
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In 2023, we filmed a feral cat climbing a 10 ft cactus to eat nestling Darwin's finches at our field site on San Cristobal Island. This observation was not unique. Approximately half of our nests were destroyed by feral cats in 2023.
Given the devastating effects that feral cats had on baby Darwin's finches at our field site on San Cristobal Island, we want to take action to help protect these endemic birds.
The first step is to establish the extend of the problem. In 2024, we were asked by the Galapagos National Park to conduct a broader survey across the island to establish the extent of the problem. We hope to use this information to support efforts by officials to work with the local community to care for domesticated pets.
How can I support Galapagos Conservation Research by Dr. Knutie's Lab?
This effort depends on donor support, since the cost of one field season can be up to $30,000 and funds for conservation research are difficult to find! In 2027-2028, the money will support all aspects of conservation work, including field equipment (e.g., 80 solar-powered trail cameras), transportation (e.g., to/from San Cristobal Island, to/from our field sites on the island), and stipends for local field students from the Galapagos.
We will accept any donation amount and you will receive annual updates of our research.
For donations over $1,000, you will be recognized as a donor in the dissemination of our research and receive an annual newsletter.
For donations over $5,000, we will send you updates and pictures for a specific nest of finch babies from egg to fledging.
For donations of over $10,000, you will receive the opportunity to join us in the field during a future expedition (includes the invitation and local logistical support to plan the expedition; expenses not paid; please contact Dr. Knutie for more information).
Interested in donating to help our conservation efforts in the Galapagos? We have two options.
Direct, Non-Tax Deductible Donations via Check, Venmo, or Paypal
Tax-deductible donations through the UConn Foundation. Click here!
For information on the project, click here or contact Dr. Sarah Knutie ([email protected]).
We will accept any donation amount and you will receive annual updates of our research.
For donations over $1,000, you will be recognized as a donor in the dissemination of our research and receive an annual newsletter.
For donations over $5,000, we will send you updates and pictures for a specific nest of finch babies from egg to fledging.
For donations of over $10,000, you will receive the opportunity to join us in the field during a future expedition (includes the invitation and local logistical support to plan the expedition; expenses not paid; please contact Dr. Knutie for more information).
Interested in donating to help our conservation efforts in the Galapagos? We have two options.
Direct, Non-Tax Deductible Donations via Check, Venmo, or Paypal
- These donations go directly into an account that is managed by Dr. Knutie (not UConn).
- Donations accepted via: check, Venmo, or Paypal.
- Please include "Nat Geo Live Galapagos Donation" in the notes or subject line.
- I will acknowledge your donation after it is received so if you are not contacted within 72 hours, please reach out to confirm that the donation was received.
- Since the UConn Foundation charges a fee, this option maximizes your donation.
Tax-deductible donations through the UConn Foundation. Click here!
- All donations are tax deductible through the UConn Foundation (501(c)(3))!
- I recommend using this option for larger donations so that you can apply them to your tax deduction.
- Please contact me ([email protected]) after you make the donation so that I know you made it!
For information on the project, click here or contact Dr. Sarah Knutie ([email protected]).
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Sounds of the Galapagos
Click below to hear our famed finches sing their hearts out (plus a yellow warbler)!
Donor Hall of Fame
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our conservation efforts!
Sam Maruca and Linda McKoy
Scott and Nancy
Sandra and Steve
John Lee
Scott and Nancy
Sandra and Steve
John Lee