The species also gives the warning to the humans before biting. The Galapagos Islands are famous for the diverse animal and plant life found on the land and in the surrounding seas. Their skin is generally yellow with white, black and brown blotches. Breeding begins in different months on different islands: on Isabela Island in January, on Fernandina Island in June, on Santa Cruz Island in September and on South Plaza Island in January. Despite their size, the Galapagos Land Iguana is officially listed as “vulnerable”. If you know any other new facts about this species then you can comment down. [1][2][3], The land iguanas in the Galápagos vary in morphology and coloration among different populations. However, some individuals also have seen feeding their diet as insects, centipedes, and carrion. "[10] The Galapagos land iguana grows to a length of 0.9 to 1.5 m (3–5 ft) with a body weight of up to 11 kg (25 lb), depending upon which island they are from. The reptile is found in many places in the archipelago; with colonies at the end of Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz, Fernandina and Isabela Islands. [2] The eggs hatch anywhere from 90 to 125 days later. If you are keen to see the Galapagos Land Iguana then speak to one of our Galapagos experts who can advise you on the best itineraries to maximise your chances of encountering this remarkable creature. None keeps the species in captivity outside their Ecuadorian homeland, through a couple of colonies exist in their home islands at the research stations. The Galapagos Land Iguana resembles the mythical creatures of the past-dragons with long tails, clawed feet and spiny crests. Category: Reptile The land iguana is locally fairly common, inhabiting the arid zone of the islands. The Galapagos Land Iguana is one of three native species in the archipelago. The Galápagos pink land iguana is labeled as critically endangered. First, they give the warning before biting. [2] The most likely unions tend to be between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. Males defend territories around their burrows that both they and females use as shelter, and most courtship occurs around these burrows. Because fresh water is scarce on its island habitats, the Galapagos land iguana obtains the majority of its moisture from the prickly-pear cactus, which makes up 80% of its diet. Like marine iguanas, as discussed below, land iguanas are cold blooded. Enter your Email Address here to receive a link to change password. The Galapagos land iguana is one of the lizard species from the family Iguanidae. Many people think Galapagos Land Iguana's resemble the mythical dragons of fairy tales! It is formerly widely distributed on these islands, through its numbers are now greatly reduced. It is one of the three species of genus Conolophus. The iguanas do not generally bite the peoples. The lizard species comes under the suborder Iguania and family Iguanidae. We will match it. [11] These iguanas also enjoy a symbiotic relationship with birds; the birds remove parasites and ticks, providing relief to the iguanas and food for the birds. Despite their long separation time and their being two distinct species from different genera, the offspring are viable, although likely sterile. Galapagos pink land iguanas are large and have pale pink skin with black dots. You have to provide the proper place to keep this species. [11][14] In the years since then, entire populations (including all the animals on Santiago Island) have been wiped out by introduced feral animals such as pigs, rats, cats, and dogs.[2][11]. [15][16] The marine iguana diverged from the land iguana some 8 million years ago, which is older than any of the extant Galapagos islands. It is one of three species of the genus Conolophus. [7][8] A more recent study that included both mtDNA and nuclear DNA indicates that the land iguanas split from the marine iguana about 4.5 million years ago, and among the land iguanas C. subcristatus and C. marthae split from each other about 1.5 million years ago. All parts of the plant are consumed, including the fruit, flowers, pads, and even spines.