Galapagos land iguana

The Galapagos land iguana is a captivating lizard species from the Iguanidae family, specifically within the genus Conolophus. These iguanas inhabit the Galápagos Islands, dispersed across various islands in the archipelago. Among the different species, you can find the Galapagos pink land iguana and the Santa Fe land iguana. Thanks to genetic studies, we now have a clearer understanding of their evolutionary history and relationships.

These land iguanas are quite striking in appearance, a fact that even Charles Darwin noted during his studies. They can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh around 11 kilograms. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, with a particular preference for the prickly-pear cactus. These iguanas have a long lifespan, ranging from 60 to 69 years. Once they reach sexual maturity, females lay eggs in burrows to reproduce.

Currently, the population of Galapagos land iguanas is estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000 individuals. However, they face significant threats from introduced feral animals, which have caused declines in their numbers on certain islands. To counteract this, efforts have been made to reintroduce these iguanas to areas where they had previously become extinct, such as Baltra Island.

Interestingly, the evolutionary journey of Galapagos land iguanas suggests they share a common ancestor with marine iguanas from South America. Despite belonging to different genera, these species can interbreed and produce viable offspring. Conservation initiatives are ongoing to ensure the survival and protection of these unique reptiles in their natural habitat.