Wildlife

Welfare of Marine Iguanas on the Galapagos

Marine iguanas face welfare threats from El Nino-driven food scarcity, introduced predators, and tourism pressure on their breeding beaches.

Key Facts

Marine iguanas are the only ocean-going lizard species in the world
El Nino events can kill 90% of some island populations through starvation
Introduced cats, dogs, and rats predate eggs and juveniles
Tourism crowding disrupts basking, a critical thermoregulatory behavior
Marine iguanas shrink their bodies during food scarcity — a unique adaptation

Welfare Considerations

Marine iguanas experience acute welfare stress during El Nino events when algae food sources collapse. Predator control and tourism management on critical beaches are practical welfare improvements that conservation programs are implementing.

What You Can Do

Support Galapagos National Park predator control programs
Choose responsible Galapagos tour operators that minimize iguana disturbance
Donate to Charles Darwin Foundation marine iguana research
Advocate for stronger invasive species control on island ecosystems worldwide