Marine Iguana

Description:

Considered vulnerable by the IUCN. The marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. The population occurs as ten subpopulations on separate islands in the range. Total extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km² and area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 500 km². Total population size is unknown, however, El Niño effects are known to cause periodic declines in population (at least 85% mortality). In addition to this, the population is threatened by pollution (e.g., oil spills) and predation by exotic species on the islands.

Habitat:

The world's only marine lizard species. Adults and juveniles occur on rocky coast and intertidal zones. Adult females can be found nesting up to 2 km inland and adult males can be found in marine waters, up to depths of 20 m. Adapted to eat algae.

Notes:

Taken on Isla Isabella, at the Tintoreras Islet, located a short distance from Puerto Villamil, in the Galapagos, Ecuador.