Help Support Our Conservation Research!
Released in March 2025

Photo credit: unknown

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. 

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!

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 of over $10,000, you will receive the opportunity to join us in the field during a future expedition.

Interested in donating to help our conservation efforts in the Galapagos?
All donations are tax deductible through the UConn Foundation (501(c)(3))
Although we encourage unrestricted donations, we will honor requests for where the funds are allocated (e.g., support pay for local field assistants in the Galapagos Islands).
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For information on the project or how you can donate, please contact Dr. Sarah Knutie at [email protected].