Marine Iguana | Species

Species
Marine Iguana

Species
Marine Iguana

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Overview
Why They Matter
Threats
How You Can Help
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Overview

Status
Vulnerable
Scientific Name
Amblyrhynchus cristatus
Length
2-5.6 feet long
Habitats
Oceans

One of the main nesting zones for iguanas is located on a central tourist beach in the waterfront area of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. For several years, the Galápagos National Park protected only the central part of the nesting zone. In 2012, WWF, the Municipality of Isabela and the Charles Darwin Foundation extended the protected area to include the entire nesting zone. As part of this effort, additional signs for both tourists and local communities inform them about the importance of this nesting zone. A temporary fence was also built to protect the area and allow iguanas to pass through.

Places
The Galápagos
Habitats
Oceans

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Why They Matter

Marine iguanas are the world’s only oceangoing lizard. They are also only found in the Galápagos, where they can be seen resting on the rocky shores.

Threats

Extinction Risk Vulnerable
1. EX
  Extinct
  
  No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
2. EW
  Extinct in the Wild
  
  Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
3. CR
  Critically Endangered
  
  Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
4. EN
  Endangered
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
5. VU
  Vulnerable
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
6. NT
  Near Threatened
  
  Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
7. LC
  Least Concern
  
  Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened

Introduced species such as cats, rats, dogs and pigs prey on marine iguanas. They are also threatened by the impacts of climate change. Sea level and air temperature rise can affect their beach nesting habitat and the iguanas’ ability to regulate its body temperature while on land, as well as interfere with egg development.

How You Can Help

Take Action

Tell your members of Congress and President Obama to reject budget proposals that would slash funding for endangered species and tropical forests, clean air and water, and efforts to confront climate change.