Farmers introduced this bird to control ticks; El Nino spread it across Galapagos

The introduction of a bird species to control ticks in the Galapagos Islands has led to a significant increase in its population due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The bird, known as the smooth-billed ani, was introduced in the 1960s and has since spread across the archipelago, raising concerns about its impact on the local ecosystem.

Scientists warn that the bird's rapid expansion could disrupt the delicate balance of the Galapagos' unique wildlife, which has evolved in isolation.

The El Niño event, which occurs every 2-7 years, has been particularly strong in recent years, providing ideal conditions for the bird's proliferation.