Pink iguana, Galápagos rosy iguana
The Galápagos pink land iguana (Conolophus marthae) is a critically endangered species of lizard. Due to its coloration, some call it the Pink iguana or the Galápagos rosy iguana. The species was first discovered in 1986 and was identified as a separate species, distinct from the Galápagos land iguana, early in 2009.
The Galápagos pink land iguana has a squat, quadrupedal body with an elongated tail. The legs sprawl out to the sides like all lizards, and a row of short spines runs down the middle of its back starting from the base of the neck to the tail. The species has a pinkish body with a few wide, vertical dark bands.
These iguanas are found only in the Wolf Volcano in northern Isabela Island of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Within that range, they inhabit dry forest along the slopes and dry shrubland at the top of the volcano.
Little is known about the habits of the Galápagos pink land iguana. They are often seen singly but may sometimes gather in small groups.
Additional information about the diet of this species is still unknown.
Information about the mating system and reproductive behavior of Galápagos pink land iguanas is scarce.
The Galápagos pink land iguana is threatened by introduced feral cats and black rats, which can take eggs and young. The only native predator of the species is the Galápagos hawk. Other threats are possible hybridization with Galápagos land iguanas (unknown at present, but has occurred based on genetic evidence), as the ranges of the two species come into contact.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Galápagos pink land iguana is 192 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List.