MSc Student
Advisor: Luise Kruckenhauser

Museum of Natural History Vienna
Unit for Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology
University of Vienna

Abstract

The Smooth-billed Ani (<i>Crotophaga ani </i>Linnaeus, 1758) was introduced to the Galápagos Islands in the 1960s and has since established large, widespread populations. Despite its ecological impact on native species and ecosystems, the genetic origin and connectivity of the Galápagos population remain unresolved. This study addresses two central questions: (1) Did the Galápagos population arise from a single introduction event or multiple introductions from different mainland source regions? and (2) Is there evidence of gene flow witinh and between the main inhabited islands? To answer these, mitochondrial markers (COI and control region) and ddRAD sequencing will be used. The study plans to shine light on the species’ colonization history and dispersal dynamics, contributing to understanding its invasion process and informing future management strategies in the Galápagos.