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Galapagos Marine Iguanas Face Survival Crisis Amid Super El Nino and Illegal Trafficking
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Moneycontrol•15-10-2026, 12:31
Galapagos Marine Iguanas Face Survival Crisis Amid Super El Nino and Illegal Trafficking
- •The Galapagos marine iguana, the worlds only seagoing lizard, is threatened by a Super El Nino event that disrupts its algae food supply.
- •Scientists warn that warming ocean waters lead to mass starvation and force iguanas to swim longer distances in search of food.
- •Recent seizures in Ecuador reveal a surge in illegal wildlife trafficking, with iguanas found bound in suitcases and bags.
- •Smugglers are reportedly exploiting loopholes by falsely declaring wild iguanas as captive-bred to obtain illegal export permits.
- •Researchers call for stronger enforcement, stricter permit checks, and targeted action against organized trafficking networks to save the vulnerable species.
Key Questions Answered
The Galápagos marine iguana is facing threats from a Super El Niño event that disrupts its algae food supply, along with rising illegal trafficking, chemical spills, and plastic pollution.
Warming ocean waters during strong El Niño conditions reduce the availability of intertidal macroalgae, forcing the reptiles to face starvation, shrink in size, and suffer mass mortality.
The species has at least 11 recognised subspecies adapted to particular islands, meaning rescued animals must undergo DNA testing to identify their specific island of origin before safe release.
