Another day in the Dreamland: exploring the exotic earthworms of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Welcome to our blog series documenting our thrilling sampling campaign in the beautiful island of Santa Cruz in Galápagos. In this post, we will take you through our exciting adventures on the third day of our expedition. With a focus on learning about the exotic earthworms of the region, our team embarked on a day filled with planning, microscopic observations, field reconnaissance, and culinary delights.

Morning Session: Planning and Microscopic Exploration

We began our day with another productive planning session for the upcoming workshop. With 14 eager participants who are passionate about learning about the exotic earthworms in Galápagos, we meticulously reviewed our plans, ensuring that no details were overlooked. We made a list of any missing materials and set out to procure them.

Following our planning session, we gathered around the microscope to examine some of the animals we had captured during the previous day's sampling. As expected, we observed the presence of the usual suspects, which gave us a sense of familiarity. However, what caught our attention was the discovery of an animal that defied immediate classification. Its unique characteristics hinted at the need for dissection skills to properly identify it. Unfortunately, time was not on our side, but we made a mental note to revisit it in the future.

Afternoon Session: Field Reconnaissance and Culinary Delight

In the afternoon, we ventured into the field for a comprehensive reconnaissance mission. Our primary objective was to define the sampling plots and gain a better understanding of the island's diverse environments. We specifically focused on protected lands, abundant with the endemic giant daisy known as Scalesia. Additionally, we explored lands targeted for reforestation and tourist hotspots with high levels of disturbance.

By surveying these contrasting areas, we aimed to assess the abundance and diversity of exotic species across the island. Our hypothesis suggested a potential correlation between their presence and the degree of disturbance in these habitats. The data we collected would shed light on the intricate ecological dynamics and provide valuable insights for conservation efforts.

After an insightful field reconnaissance, we decided to take a moment to immerse ourselves in the local culture and cuisine. We made a stop to savor one of the island's must-try dishes - "empanada con morocho." These savory pastries filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, paired with a traditional beverage called morocho, were a delightful treat for our taste buds. As we enjoyed the flavors of Galápagos, we couldn't help but appreciate the vibrant culinary heritage that adds to the island's unique charm.

Conclusion:

Our third day on Santa Cruz Island provided us with another remarkable adventure in this dreamland of biodiversity. From intensive planning sessions to microscopic observations, we were constantly fueled by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. The field reconnaissance allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the island's ecosystems and their relationship with exotic species. And, of course, our stop to enjoy the local delicacy, "empanada con morocho," added a touch of culinary delight to our expedition. As we retired for the night, ready to embrace another day of exploration, we knew that the wonders of Galápagos had only just begun to unveil themselves to us. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to unravel the mysteries of this captivating island.