Galapagos Land Iguana
Galapagos land iguana is the larger reptile of the Galapagos islands and will always remain a highlight during your Galapagos Expedition. As you explore the islands, you'll see large colonies of marine iguanas, but in very few selected locations we see Land Iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus and Conolophus pallidus). There are two endemic species, one restricted to the island of Santa Fe and the other species found in North Seymour, Baltra, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Fernandina islands.
Galapagos Land Iguana

They mainly inhabit the arid zone, although the population of
Fernandina's island
migrates incredibly up the rim of the volcano and down its caldera floor for egg-laying duties. What a trip!They lay between five and fifteen eggs, and the clutch size varies from island to island. The eggs take about 3-4 months to hatch. Land Iguanas are strictly vegetarians, but their diet may include some protein-rich items like insects, specially when they are young. Among their favorite food items, the prickly-pear cactus stands out, where pads, fruits and the colorful yellow flowers will make up the diet of the iguana. These animals' survival is quite fragile, as introduced carnivores pose a constant threat to both adults and young individuals. Their numbers remain low, but it seems, they were more plentiful before the arrival of humans to the islands. The
Charles Darwin's
account on James Island that describes that in the chosen area for a campsite, iguanas were so numerous that setting up a tent was a monumental task. Sadly, land iguanas are now extinct on the island, but efforts from the Galapagos National Park continue in order to restore the islands' past conditions. Galapagos land iguanas are amazing reptiles that add a great amount of color, and importance to the arid zone of the islands. Visit the enchanted Galapagos and enjoy the true essence of nature in the world's most amazing group of islands.
More About Galapagos:Recommended Galapagos Island Tours Cheap Air Flights Best Galapagos Islands Hotel Galapagos Island Pictures Free Galapagos Travel Brochures
Galapagos Recommended Reading:An Identification Guide to the Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands This is the first comprehensive guide to the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, good descriptions of its extraordinary birds, mammals, and reptiles. (Highly recommended)
Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists) Wildlife of the Galapagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable islands. It really reveals the archipelago's striking beauty. (A well-written, informative text).
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