Andrea Cahuana
Research Assistant
Andrea Cahuana has a Bachelor's Degree in Ecological Tourism and came to CDF in 2012 as a local volunteer while finishing her studies. She first worked in the Herbarium where she became interested in the conservation of the flora and fauna of the Galapagos. In 2014, she joined the Philornis project
Since 2015, she has been working as a research assistant. She is responsible for all field activities including; monitoring Philornis downsi populations and conducting trials to test attractants that can be used to lure and trap flies. She also assists with research in the laboratory to develop methods for mass rearing Philornis downsi.
Andrea's programs
Land
Control of the avian vampire flyIn a race against time, our scientists are working hard to find ways to control the avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi), an invasive parasitic fly that is affecting the survival of the unique small landbirds of the Galapagos Islands, including the iconic Darwin’s finches.