Ensuring the long-term survival of the Pink iguana

The Galápagos Islands are a unique place where evolution and biodiversity can be experienced like nowhere else on earth. One of its rarest and most fascinating inhabitants is the Pink Land Iguana (Conolophus marthae), a species that was only scientifically described in 2009. With its unique coloration and history, this iguana is a living fossil, but also a symbol of the fragility of nature. This endemic species, found only on the Galápagos Islands, is on the brink of extinction. The team led by Dr. Gabriele Gentile from the University of Tor Vergata in Rome is working hard to ensure its survival.

The first encounter with the Pink Land Iguanas was in 1986, when park rangers and scientists discovered some unusually colored iguanas on the remote slopes of the Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island. These animals had distinctive pink skin that clearly differed from the yellow and gray land iguanas of the Galápagos Islands. Despite their striking appearance, it took over two decades for the animals to be recognized as a separate species.

It was only through genetic analysis and detailed observations that researchers, together with Gabriele Gentile, were able to classify the pink land iguanas as a new species. This also made it possible to prove that the Pink iguanas split off from other iguana species millions of years ago, at a time when the Galápagos Islands did not yet exist.

The pink land iguanas, whose coloration is caused by the absence of pigment cells in their skin, live exclusively on the slopes of the Wolf volcano on Isabela Island, in a limited habitat of about 38 km². According to estimates, their population numbers only 150–250 individuals. According to various studies, the pink skin of the iguanas is due to their blood showing through, a characteristic that has not been documented in any other reptile species to date. 

The small population of Pink Iguanas is vulnerable to environmental disasters such as the activity of the Wolf Volcano itself. Although the most recent eruptions in 2015 and 2022 did not directly affect the habitats of the Pink Land Iguanas, future eruptions could have catastrophic consequences. In addition, invasive species such as feral cats and rats pose a major threat as they eat the eggs and young pink iguanas. Furthermore, genetic diversity is severely limited due to the small population, which further complicates the species' survival. A study conducted in 2022 showed that the age structure of the population is unbalanced due to the low numbers of young pink iguanas. This may be due to low reproduction rates or the fact that large numbers of young pink iguanas are being eaten. Either way, there is a risk that the species will disappear within our lifetime.

Under the leadership of Gabriele Gentile, in collaboration with the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) and other partners, tireless work is being done to ensure the survival of the pink land iguanas. Numerous measures are being implemented, the continuation of which is essential for the survival of the Pink iguana.

The most important of these measures is the identification of the iguanas' nesting sites. With the help of GPS tracking and camera traps, researchers are able to document the animals' reproductive habits. These findings are essential for setting up a “head start” program, in which young pink iguanas are raised in safe conditions and later released into the wild.

Another important goal is to control invasive species. For several years, programs have been underway on Wolf Volcano to reduce cat and rat populations. Special baits are used that are harmless to native and often endemic species. Unfortunately, feral cats, which are difficult to catch, pose a particular threat to young Rosada Drusenköpfe, while rats mainly threaten their eggs.

Despite these enormous challenges, there is also reason for hope. In 2022, young pink iguanas were documented in the wild for the first time, a sign that reproduction is still possible under the current conditions. It is therefore particularly important to monitor these animals and to gain a detailed understanding of their habits, diet, and reproduction.

Based on the findings, Dr. Gentile's team will attempt to find an area in the archipelago with similar conditions where another population of these rare reptiles could be established. This combination of direct protection and research offers the Pink Land Iguana a chance for a future. 

In addition to direct conservation work, raising awareness among the local population is also of central importance. The Pink Land Iguana has become a symbol of the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands and an ambassador for nature conservation. Educational programs that highlight the importance of the species and the island ecosystems strengthen the population's environmental awareness and promote sustainable lifestyles.

The Pink Land Iguana shows that conservation is successful when we take targeted action and remember that every species counts – not only for science, but also for the balance of our planet.

Saving these unique reptiles is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to show the next generation that even the rarest and most endangered species can be protected if we act decisively. You can help too!