The Wonders of Iguana: The Galapagos Islands: UNESCO Culture Sector

There is little vegetation. It’s mainly cactus. The Galapagos are home for the land iguana. They live mainly on cactus leaves and flowers. Unable to climb trees, securing food is a struggle. But the absence of any natural enemy has allowed the creatures to survive. Poor pickings on land eventually made the Land Iguanas seek food in the ocean. Land Iguana evolved into Marine Iguana, adept at swimming in the sea. Their round tails became flat so they could swim. The warm waters around the Galapagos provide a good breeding environment for algae, good food for the marine iguana. Claws developed enabling them to grasp rocks in the strong current.

Environmental changes such as El Ninjo provided more vegetation for Land Iguanas. But in the ocean, temperatures rose to nearly 30 degrees, resulting in a significant decrease in algae and plankton. That forced Marine Iguanas to explore on land in search of food. They began to eat grass, something they don’t usually feed on. Black and white patterned iguanas, never seen before, appeared. They are a crossbreed of Marine and Land Iguanas. The new iguana inherited the claws of Marine Iguana, which meant they could climb trees to find its favourite food, cactus.

The Iguanas have always been able to adapt to their harsh environment. The Galapagos Islands are a cradle of evolution.