NEWS & EVENTS
LATEST NEWS
USFQ and INSPI sign an agreement to strengthen scientific research and academic training
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI) ‘Dr. Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez,’ an institution under the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), have signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement to strengthen scientific research and academic training in public health and wildlife conservation in Ecuador.
Amanda Thompson named permanent director of the Center for Galapagos Studies
The human biologist has been interim director of the center since 2023 and is also co-director of the Galapagos Science Center.
Research Expedition to Paramount: the forgotten seamount
In January 2025, a team of scientists from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), the Galápagos Science Center (GSC) and the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) carried out a two-week expedition to Paramount: a shallow-water seamount rising from a depth of over 1500 m to only 180 m below the surface, located 100 nautical miles northeast of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The objective of the expedition was to characterize the fish community around the seamount and explore its connections with Galápagos. The work was supported by the organizations Mission Blue, Galápagos Conservation Trust, MigraMar and Bezos Earth Fund.
USFQ, through the Galapagos Science Center, promotes a comprehensive wildlife health model in the archipelago
At Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), through the Galapagos Science Center (GSC), we are committed to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of island ecosystems. As part of this effort, we are leading the strategic planning for the implementation of a Comprehensive Wildlife Health System in the Galapagos Islands, an innovative model based on the One Health approach, which recognizes the connection between animal, environmental, and human health.
SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES
Genomes of Galápagos Mockingbirds Reveal the Impact of Island Size and Past Demography on Inbreeding and Genetic Load in Contemporary Populations
The species inhabiting oceanic islands have been fundamental in the study of evolution. Due to their isolation, these populations tend to have smaller sizes and lower genetic diversity compared to their mainland relatives. This can lead to negative effects such as the accumulation of harmful mutations and inbreeding (mating between genetically related individuals), which threatens their survival. The Galápagos mockingbirds (Mimus spp.) represent an ideal case to analyze the relationship between the size of the island they inhabit and genetic variations in their populations.
Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens magnificens) determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination
The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens; MFB) is a seabird found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the Galápagos Islands, the endemic subspecies Fregata magnificens magnificens inhabits the archipelago. This study presents, for the first time, the hematological and blood biochemical values of this population in the region.
Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapágos
Endemic species of the Galápagos Islands are vulnerable to newly introduced pathogens, often transmitted through invasive hosts. One example is invasive parasitic arthropods, whose evolutionary success is linked to their association with domestic animals present in the archipelago. This interaction poses a significant risk, as these parasites can switch hosts and facilitate pathogen transmission between domestic and wild species.
Ontogenetic feeding shifts in two thresher shark species in the Galapagos Marine
Thresher sharks are key predators in the marine ecosystems of the Tropical Pacific Ocean, playing a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance. They primarily feed on squid and small fish. This study aims to assess possible ontogenetic changes in the feeding habits and habitat use of two thresher shark species (Alopias pelagicus) and (Alopias superciliosus) inhabiting the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR), aspects that remain poorly understood in the region.
EVENTS
6TH GALAPAGOS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
The 6th Galápagos Research and Conservation Symposium took place on Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the Charles Darwin Convention Center on San Cristóbal, Galápagos. This important multidisciplinary event was organized by the Galapagos Science Center, with the sponsorship of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito with the endorsement of the Galapagos National Park.
5TH GALAPAGOS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristóbal Island, will host the 5th Galapagos Research and Conservation Symposium. This significant multidisciplinary event will feature scientific presentations and community-focused talks, showcasing research and initiatives related to conservation, environmental change, biodiversity and oceans, health, and community initiatives.
World Summit on Island Sustainability
In 2022, the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and the broader UNC & USFQ Galapagos Initiative celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The GSC hosted the World Summit on Island Sustainability on June 26–30, 2022 at the Galapagos Science Center and the Community Convention Center on San Cristobal Island.
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