Wildlife Conservation

Marine Iguana and Climate Vulnerability

Galapagos marine iguanas are the only sea-going lizard and face acute welfare crises during El Nino events that eliminate their algae food supply.

Key Facts

Marine iguanas feed exclusively on underwater algae and can dive to 10 meters for up to 30 minutes
El Nino events warm the ocean, killing the cold-water algae that iguanas depend on
During the 1982-83 El Nino, 70% of Galapagos marine iguanas died of starvation
Iguanas can shrink their own skeletons by up to 20% to survive food shortages — a unique adaptation
Climate change is increasing El Nino frequency and intensity, creating more frequent starvation events

Welfare Considerations

Marine iguana starvation during El Nino events causes prolonged suffering before death: animals progressively lose body condition over weeks as food disappears from their diving range. The ability to shrink their bodies buys time but cannot prevent death when food is absent for months. Increasingly frequent El Nino events from climate change will make this welfare crisis more common.

What You Can Do

Support climate action specifically framing impacts on unique endemic species like marine iguanas
Donate to Galapagos Conservation Trust programs monitoring marine iguana populations during climate events
Advocate for Galapagos Marine Reserve management that minimizes additional human stressors on vulnerable populations