Day two: field recognition

Our second day in the Galapagos Islands began with yet another early start as we focused on preparing for our workshop. This workshop aimed to provide stakeholders and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of earthworms and their role in the ecosystem. We wanted to ensure that the participants gained valuable insights and that our sampling approach would yield robust results for future publication.

Our first task took us to a Yuca plantation located in the highlands of the island. Here, we conducted a preliminary study to assess the presence of earthworms. Among the specimens we encountered were the exotic Pontoscolex corethrurus and several Megascolecids. Unfortunately, the persistent ants made their presence known as they incessantly bit us throughout our work.

Moving on from the Yuca plantation, we proceeded to a spot with Rubus niveus, commonly known as "mora." It was here that we made another exciting discovery: Pontoscolex, or "Pontos" as we affectionately called it. This finding added to our growing understanding of the distribution and diversity of earthworm species in the Galapagos Islands.

After a productive morning of sampling, we took a well-deserved break to replenish our energy. We decided to dine at a local eatery in Bellavista, indulging in a generous serving of "costillas" (ribs), "cecina" (cured meat), and "aguado de gallina criolla" (traditional chicken soup). This culinary experience allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local flavors and appreciate the gastronomic culture of the Galapagos Islands.

Resuming our work after lunch, we engaged in detailed discussions about the workshop, fine-tuning its content and addressing any necessary adjustments. It was essential for us to ensure that the workshop would be informative, engaging, and impactful for the participants, empowering them to become advocates for earthworm conservation and ecological awareness.

As the day drew to a close, we couldn't resist making a stop at the stunning "playa del Garrapatero," a beach paradise with pristine white sand, pelicans gracefully gliding above, and lively crabs scurrying along the shore. However, our enjoyment was cut short as mosquitoes began to swarm the area, prompting us to make a swift retreat. We knew that tomorrow would bring new adventures as we ventured to the sampling sites, so we prioritized our rest and well-being.

With each passing day, our sampling trip in the Galapagos Islands continues to unfold, bringing us closer to uncovering the secrets of this unique ecosystem. The earthworms, with their vital ecological roles, serve as our guides in understanding the intricate connections that sustain life on these islands.

Stay tuned for more updates from our sampling trip in the Galapagos Islands as we embark on exciting fieldwork and deepen our knowledge of the remarkable biodiversity that thrives in this enchanting archipelago.