Wildlife | Galapagos Iguanas
The Galapagos Land Iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The Galapagos Land Iguana grows to a length of three to five feet with a body weight of up to twenty-five pounds. Being cold-blooded, they absorb heat from the sun by basking on volcanic rock, and at night sleep in burrows to conserve their body heat. 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. Their primary diet is the flowers from the prickly pear cactus and ice plant.
The Marine Iguana grows to approximately 3 ft (1 m) in length. These sea-going Iguanas exist only in the Galapagos Islands. Living on the black lava shore rocks they have developed into efficient swimmers feeding off shore mostly on marine algae and seaweed. They can dive to 30 feet and stay down for up to 3 minutes.
Read MoreThe Marine Iguana grows to approximately 3 ft (1 m) in length. These sea-going Iguanas exist only in the Galapagos Islands. Living on the black lava shore rocks they have developed into efficient swimmers feeding off shore mostly on marine algae and seaweed. They can dive to 30 feet and stay down for up to 3 minutes.