A fascinating reptile found only on the Galapagos Islands, a place known for its unique and diverse wildlife. These iguanas are large, stout-bodied lizards with a striking appearance. Their rough skin is usually yellowish with shades of brown or gray, helping them blend into their home’s rocky, volcanic landscapes. Despite their rugged look, they are primarily herbivores, feeding on cactus pads, fruits, and other vegetation.

One of the most interesting traits of the Galapagos land iguana is its relationship with the prickly pear cactus, which serves as its main source of food and water. These iguanas have adapted to eat the cactus pads, spines, and all, thanks to their tough mouths. During dry seasons, the cactus is a critical source of hydration, helping the iguanas survive when water is scarce. They are also opportunistic feeders and will eat other plants or even insects when necessary.

Galapagos land iguanas are ectothermic, meaning they rely on the sun to regulate their body temperature. In the early mornings, you can often see them basking on rocks to warm up before they begin their day. When the sun becomes too intense, they retreat to shaded areas or burrows they dig in the ground to cool off. These burrows also serve as safe spots for resting and escaping predators.

These iguanas have an impressive lifespan, living up to 50 or even 60 years in the wild. They reproduce by laying eggs in sandy nests, usually between nine and 25 eggs at a time. The females guard their nests for a short period before leaving the eggs to incubate on their own. The hatchlings emerge after about three to four months and must quickly adapt to survive in a challenging environment filled with predators like hawks and snakes.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Ecuador

12,000

Official estimate

VU

2020

Galápagos