Perhaps no better case can be made for adaptation than the marine iguana! Just about everything about this ancient lizard points to evolution at its finest.

Fact Sheet

• Species Name: Amblyrhynchus cristatus
• Size at maturity: 4 to 5 ft
• Weight: 1 to 3.3 lbs
• Population: 200,000-300,000 (on the rise)
• Status: Vulnerable
• Range: Endemic to Galapagos Islands
• Threats: El Niño (atmospheric event that wipes out much of their food source); Cats (introduced by man); Hawks, herons, birds (only a threat to young iguanas)
• Lifespan: 5-12 years

Appearance: Black, red (at maturity) scaly skin

Conservation Efforts

While their population is booming at around 200,000-300,000, the National Park is still wary of events like El Niño that could kill off huge portions of the population. Careful efforts are taken to not disturb their natural habitats.