Iguana Species

Galápagos Land Iguana

Natural history of Conolophus subcristatus, an endemic herbivore and ecosystem engineer.

Quick answer: The Galápagos land iguana is a large, mainly herbivorous iguana endemic to the Galápagos Islands.

Identification and diet

Galapagos Conservation Trust describes the species as generally yellow with white, black and brown blotches and as primarily herbivorous, feeding notably on prickly pear.

An ecosystem engineer

By grazing vegetation, moving soil and dispersing seeds, land iguanas can alter habitat structure in ways that affect other organisms.

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Nesting and behavior

Females travel to suitable nesting areas, while males defend territories using displays that can include head bobbing and physical escalation.

Conservation and reintroduction

The species has been reintroduced to islands where it had disappeared, showing how species recovery can also contribute to broader ecosystem restoration.

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Keep exploring

Use the related guides to connect this topic with species, behavior, anatomy and habitat rather than treating it as an isolated fact.

Sources & further reading

Key factual claims on this page were checked against these references.

Health boundary: Iguana Guide explains natural history and responsible ownership. It does not diagnose illness or provide treatment instructions.