Smooth-billed Ani Introduced to Control Ticks in Galapagos
The smooth-billed ani bird was introduced to the Galapagos Islands in the 1960s to combat a cattle tick infestation that caused significant losses for local farmers. Known for feeding on ticks in mainland South America, the bird was seen as a practical solution. However, the El Nino phenomenon later helped spread the species across the islands.
TOI Science·


