Galápagos Pink Land Iguana

Restricted to a single location on Isabela Island, the Galápagos Pink Land Iguana is a rare sight found only on the slopes of Wolf Volcano. These lizards occupy a small range of just 25 km2, living at elevations starting from 600 m and reaching up to 1,700 m. Visitors to this remote northern region may recognize the species by its distinctive pinkish skin marked with broad, dark vertical stripes. This coloration sets it apart from other land iguanas in the archipelago, which typically appear yellow-brown. Like its relatives, it has a heavy, four-legged body, a row of short spines along its back, and a long tail. Adult males can reach a weight of 5 kg.

While humans do not live in this difficult to access habitat, the species faces several modern pressures. Its entire population is confined to the one volcano, leaving it at risk from natural events like the eruption that occurred in 2022. Introduced predators, specifically black rats and feral cats, pose a major threat by preying on the iguanas' eggs and their young. The Galápagos hawk is the only native predator they face. Scientists also monitor the risk of hybridization with other land iguana species where their territories overlap. To protect the fewer than 200 mature individuals left, experts have suggested starting a captive breeding program to mirror successful efforts used for other local lizards. These reptiles are also known for a territorial head-nodding display that is more complex than that of their neighbors.