Galápagos Land Iguanas, Galapagos
Overview
The Galapagos islands provide sanctuary to multiple land iguana species, herbivorous reptiles that feed primarily on prickly pear leaves and fruit. Look out for these creatures, which typically have yellow with white skin, and black and brown blotches. Like the Galapagos tortoise, this species has a mutualistic relationship with Galapagos finches, allowing the birds to pick off parasitic creatures like tics from their back. The Galapagos pink land iguana is an entirely separate species, with only 200 individuals living on Isabela Island and perhaps the most vulnerable species of the Galapagos. It appears that the pink land iguana diverged from other species 5.7 million years ago!
Fun Fact
Without the conservation efforts of scientists in the 1970s, the Galapagos land iguana would likely be extinct. Due to introduced species and el nino events, this species had and still has a tough time fighting for survival.
