Sarah Marshall

Galápagos Land Iguana

About the Galápagos Land Iguana

The Galápagos Land Iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is one of the iconic reptiles of the Galápagos Islands, instantly recognisable by its robust body, spiny crest, and vibrant yellow-orange colouration. These herbivorous lizards inhabit the arid zones of several Galápagos Islands, including Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, and South Plaza.

These iguanas rely heavily on the prickly pear cactus for food and hydration. Their diet also includes various plants, flowers, and fruits, but the prickly pear cactus is essential to the iguanas' survival in the dry climate. The Galápagos Land Iguana plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem. By feeding on vegetation, iguanas help control plant growth and facilitate seed dispersal.

Once a year, female iguanas lay a clutch of approximately 20 eggs in burrows they dig in sandy or volcanic soil. They often have to travel several kilometres to find suitable nesting sites. These burrows are carefully chosen to ensure the eggs have the right temperature for incubation, which lasts around 3 to 4 months. Galápagos Land Iguanas reach maturity between 8 and 15 years of age. They have a lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild.

The population of the Galápagos Land Iguana is decreasing due to numerous threats. A subpopulation of Galápagos Land Iguanas on southern Isabela was destroyed during the 1979 eruption of Volcán Chico. Feral dogs wiped out the last colonies on Santa Cruz Island in 1976, but the Charles Darwin Research Station rescued 60 survivors. In 2019, over 1,000 iguanas were reintroduced to Santiago Island to support their recovery and restore ecological balance.

Commonality of Galápagos Land Iguanas

The Galápagos Land Iguana is relatively common on several islands, but its population is decreasing. The IUCN classifies it as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and introduced predators. While conservation efforts have helped stabilise some populations, their status highlights the need for continued protection and monitoring.

Protection & Threats

The Galápagos Land Iguana faces threats from introduced species like cats, dogs, and rats, which prey on their young and compete for food. Volcanic eruptions also pose a significant threat, particularly on Fernandina and Isabela islands, where females nest inside craters.

Climate Change

Altered rainfall and rising temperatures affect Galápagos Land Iguanas by disrupting their habitat and food sources, particularly the prickly pear cactus. Additionally, shifts in soil temperature may impact egg incubation, while extreme weather events such as El Niño make it even harder for them to survive.