What types of iguanas are found on the Galapagos Islands?
The other Galapagos
June 10, 2021
Traveling to Galapagos in 2021
June 10, 2021The Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique biodiversity, where you can even find different species between different Islands. The famous example is The Giant Galapagos Tortoise, but did you know there are also 4 different species of iguana? All of which are endemic – not found anywhere else in the world!
The Marine Iguana, Amblyrhynchus cristatus, is the only marine iguana on earth. It lives along the coasts and dives into the ocean to eat aquatic plants! They are black in color, however, the males have brighter coloration during mating season. They are found on almost every island.
A unique, rare, and critically endangered iguana is the Pink Iguana, Conolophus marthae. This species is, you guessed it, pink in color! It is only found on Wolf Volcano on Isabela, making them very rare, and an absolute treat to witness!
The Santa Fe Land Iguana, Conolophus pallidus, is endemic to Sante Fe. They sport a whitish brown coloration. The juveniles – young iguanas – can sometimes be found up in the trees!
The Galapagos Land Iguana, Conolophus subcristatus, is yellow, with blotches of white, black and brown. They live on Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Baltra, Santiago and North Seymour islands. Interestingly, the females will guard their eggs, which is not very common behavior for reptiles!
The various iguanas one can find in the archipelago are just one example of the amazing flora and fauna you will get to see and learn about on a tour in this island paradise.
