Wildlife
Galápagos land iguanas are a part of the Galápagos Islands’ unique fauna. They were once present in such large numbers that in 1835 Darwin could not find a site free from burrows to pitch a tent. Today this island is called Santiago and not a single land iguana is to be found there. Due to the dry and arid conditions on these volcanic islands, Galápagos land iguanas obtain most of their food and moisture from the pads, fruits and even spines of the prickly pear cactus. These large, heavily built lizards sport a spikey crest running along the neck and back; they can be over a metre long.
Did you know?
Galápagos land iguanas get relief from ticks by allowing local finches to pick them off their skin.
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Iconic island reptiles
The fearsome creatures that gave Galapagos its infernal reputation.
The fearsome creatures that gave Galapagos its infernal reputation.
Iguana's egg race
Beaten to prime nest sites, a female iguana makes a perilous descent into a volcano crater.
Beaten to prime nest sites, a female iguana makes a perilous descent into a volcano crater.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Galápagos land iguana can be found in a number of locations including: Galápagos. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Galápagos land iguana distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
DesertDiscover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Vulnerable
Year assessed: 1996
Classified by: IUCN 2.3
The Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is a species of lizard in the family Iguanidae. It is one of three species of the genus Conolophus. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, primarily the islands of Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Baltra, and South Plaza.
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Migration
Courtship display
Dry tolerant
Burrower
Herbivorous
Egg layer
Polymorphism
Active at birth
Territorial
Visual communication
Scavenger