Category: Galapagos Blog

🦎💗 The Pink Iguana Lives On: Hatchlings Found on Wolf Volcano Galápagos, July 2025 – A triumph for wildlife conservation High on the rugged slopes of Wolf Volcano, in one of the most remote corners of Isabela Island, scientists have made a breathtaking discovery: hatchlings of the critically endangered pink iguana (Conolophus marthae) have been observed in the wild for the first time ever. 🧬 A species like no other With its pale pink skin striped by black bands, the pink iguana is a true evolutionary relic — a lineage that split from other Galápagos iguanas over 5 million years ago.First spotted in 1986 and formally described in 2009, today there are fewer than 300 individuals left on Earth. “This is a historic milestone. For the first time, we have direct evidence that pink iguanas are still breeding in the wild.”— Dr. James Gibbs, Galápagos Conservancy 🔍 How was this discovery made? Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Galápagos National Park and Galápagos Conservancy teams, who used: Hidden camera traps positioned along the crater DNA sampling and nest monitoring Invasive species control (rats, cats) This discovery is more than scientific news — it’s an evolutionary victory. 🌋 Where do pink iguanas live? 📍 Exclusively on Wolf Volcano, in northern Isabela Island (not Fernandina).There is no public access to this area, making the species both elusive and protected — at least for now. ⚠️ Still on the edge The pink iguana is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Its survival depends on: Habitat protection Control of invasive predators Potential future breeding programs in managed environments 💬 Why does this matter? Because in a world losing species every day, one pink hatchling on a volcanic slope is a symbol of resilience and hope.Protecting Galápagos is not just about rare wildlife