Land Iguanas

by Todd Metcalfe

Land Iguanas
Land iguanas, Conolophus palidus and C. subcristatus, are found on Isabella, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Sante Fé, North Seymour, and Plaza Sur. They are now extinct from the island of Santiago due to man's actions. On our trip we only saw C. subcristatus because C. palidus is restricted to Santa Fé. To learn more about man's interaction with the Galápagos click here , or visit the Darwin Research Stations website. Of necessity action has been taken to prevent further loss of these marvelous animals. Outliving their marine relatives by at least 15 years, these lizards may live to be over sixty years old.

Mainly herbivores, land iguanas eat primarily cactus fruits and pads, though they will eat other fruits and insects and will also scavenge carcasses. They will obtain water by drinking from puddles when it rains, but since it does not rain often in the islands, most of their water is derived from their diet.

Land iguanas live solitary lives, are very territorial, and will fight with other members of their sex over their territory. Inside their territories will be a burrow where they will take shelter if the day becomes too hot, and where they will spend the night in order to conserve body heat.

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