You may not be aware, but back in 2009 a new species was discovered in the Galapagos Islands! The species is the pink iguana (Conolophus marthae). It is hard to imagine how a completely new species was simply not documented or researched until so recently. Here is what is known about the pink iguana so far.
Pink iguanas were first spotted on Wolf Volcano (Isabela Island as early as 1986. Workers from The Charles Darwin Foundation saw five pink iguanas during a summit of the volcano. However, they were not immediately identified as a new species.
When first observed, the theory was that pink iguanas were simply an existing species of iguana (the land iguana) that had been stained by some sort of external agent. Another possibility was that the new-found iguanas might be land iguanas but just have a certain type of diet that might have led to their pink coloring. However, efforts were made to ascertain this on a later visit to Wolf Volcano. Researchers were able to trap four individuals to take data and blood samples from them.
Collaborating with academics in Italy, further research was undertaken, and data and blood samples were taken from more than 30 more individuals on another field visit. With significantly more data to work with and some comprehensive analysis, researchers were able to prove that the pink iguanas discovered on Wolf Island were indeed a new species. The new species classification was official from 2009.
Based on genetic analysis, it is believed that the divergence of species leading to the evolution of the pink iguana occurred approximately 5.7 million years ago. This means that to date, it is the oldest divergence event that has been identified in the Galapagos Islands.
The main distinguishing feature of the pink iguana is its characteristic pale pink coloring. This species has black dots and stripes on its body as well. The pink color comes about due to missing pigment in the pink iguana’s skin. This means the blood beneath the skin results in the remarkable color. The species has a short head and benefits from sharp claws. Its back legs are very strong. They have spines running down their bodies and this is similar to land iguanas found on Santa Fe Island. They are substantially larger than the marine iguana and are distinguished from this species not just by size but also by the pointed nose.
In terms of size, the typical weight of an adult male is 11 pounds (5 kilograms). Adult pink iguanas can grow up to approximately 47 inches (120 centimeters) in length. Females are smaller.
Very little is known about the behavior of the pink iguana species at the current time due to its relatively recent discovery. There are an estimated 200 or fewer individuals that are known of by researchers.
What is known about the pink iguana is that they sometimes inhabit small colonies on Wolf Volcano but can also sometimes be found living alone. This species of iguana can be found from the summit of Wolf Volcano, down as low as 800 meters above sea level.
As of the current time, few sightings of baby or young pink iguanas have been discovered. This means that little is known about reproductive cycles and behaviors. Recently, in 2022, researchers did find and record pink iguana hatchlings and a nest for the very first time. The young that have been seen are not pink and they develop their pink coloring later. The juveniles that have been spotted are a yellowy-green color and they have dark stripes.
There is nothing certain that is known about the population size or its distribution yet either. The diet of this species is not completely known either and nor is its ecology. What is known so far is that pink iguanas eat fruit and the leaves of the prickly pear. It is thought that they are mostly herbivores.
Since researchers are only recently observing young pink iguanas, they have been undertaking additional research to ascertain the need for conservation to ensure that they survive, moving forward.
At present, the pink iguana is only known to be found in one location. This is on Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island. Wolf Volcano is the northernmost volcano on Isabela Island, right near its top. The known distribution of pink iguanas is approximately 10 square miles (25 square kilometers).
While there are a great many uncertainties about the pink iguana species, one absolute certainty at present is that tourists cannot get to see them on any trips to Isabela Island. No Galapagos Island cruises or Galapagos land-based trips will include trips to see pink iguanas. At the current time, this species has zero contact with humans, aside from that which is undertaken for conservation and management purposes. The Galapagos National Park authority has no intention of opening up any visitor sites to allow people to get to see them yet. Until this changes, visitors will have to make do with photographs of this beautiful lizard online instead.
There are numerous threats to the pink iguana species. This creature is currently considered to be critically endangered.
An important, and not insignificant threat is their location on the active Wolf Volcano. Wolf Volcano has erupted various times in recent years. It erupted in 1982 and 2015, with lava fountains and flows both inside the crater and on the flanks. It also erupted between January and April 2022. During this most recent eruption there were also lava flows on one flank, some ash and the volcano was pumping out sulfur dioxide. Given that there are so few individuals, and they are only currently known to be distributed on Wolf Volcano, this is clearly of concern, and they are considered to be vulnerable.
The pink iguana also potentially faces threat from climactic conditions such as drought. Introduced predator species may also pose a threat to this species. A particular predator of concern is the non-native feral cat. Feral cats have been observed near nesting sites to specifically target pink iguana hatchlings which are easy for them to catch and eat. Rats have also been seen near the nesting sites, and this too is of concern. Other possible predators include the Galapagos hawk.
The presence of the feral cat and its targeting of pink iguana hatchlings is especially problematic because researchers are concerned that this is preventing reproduction – since juveniles may not live long enough to reach reproductive age.
The good news is that since the researchers have observed hatchlings as well as nesting, more emphasis has been placed on conservation. A new field station has been funded by the Galapagos Conservancy with the aim of monitoring the volcano, looking out for poaching, and protecting and observing the sites where the species is nesting.
While there are many threats to pink iguanas, it is worth remembering that they have existed for many millennia, so they have a good chance of surviving for many more.
