Pink iguana hatchlings seen for 1st time on Galapagos
13:50 JST, December 28, 2022
QUITO (Reuters) — Scientists have discovered hatchling and juvenile populations of the Galapagos pink land iguana, an endangered reptile native to a sole island on the Ecuadorean archipelago, for the first time since the species’ discovery just decades ago.
Native only to the slopes of Wolf Volcano on the Galapagos’ Isabela Island, the iguana is considered critically endangered and just several hundred are left, according to estimates.
“This discovery marks a significant step forward, which allows us to identify a path going forward to save the pink iguana,” Director of the Galapagos National Park Danny Rueda said in a statement on Dec. 20.
The iguanas, which can stretch up to 47 centimeters in length, were first discovered by national park rangers in 1986. However, scientists took decades to recognize the pink iguana as a separate species from others on the island.
Their population is threatened by introduced species on the island, particularly rodents, the national park said.
“Knowing all the aspects that make their existence vulnerable will allow us to take timely actions, mainly against invasive species and thus avoid interrupting the natural cycles of these fragile ecosystems,” Rueda said.
The Galapagos Islands, with its unique wildlife, was a key force behind British scientist Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is home to a number of species not found anywhere else including giant tortoises, flightless cormorants and several species of iguanas, including the pink iguana.
The Wolf Volcano is one of the most remote spots monitored by the national park, which installed a research and monitoring station at its base.
"Science & Nature" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Study Shows How a Woman’s Brain Reorganizes during Pregnancy
-
Gifu Pref. Aquarium Director Researching Giant Catfish: Reveals They Can Fast for a Year
-
Power Struggle: Serbia Eyes N-Energy to Fuel Future
-
Low-Latitude Aurora Observed in Hokkaido; Influenced by Increased Solar Activity
-
Swarms of Visitors Go Bug-Eyed Over Creepy-Crawlies in Ueno, Tokyo; National Museum of Nature and Science Exhibits Vast Bug Collection
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Harris Widens Lead over Trump to 47%-40%, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds
- Japan-S. Korea Exchange Festival Held in Seoul
- Japan Trying to Draw Digital Nomads, Who Are Seen as Beneficial to Economy, Society
- JICA Employee Suspected of Leaking Info on ODA Project in Manila; Bidding for Railway Renovation May Have Been Impacted
- Asukayama Monorail in Tokyo: Free to Ride!