Background Information

  

Common name: Marine Iguana
Scientific name: Amblyrhynchus cristatus

7 recorded subspecies 

Scientific name Common name Pictures

Amblyrhynchus Cristatus Albemarlensis	Isabela Marine Iguana
Amblyrhynchus Cristatus Cristatus	Fernandina Marine Iguana
Amblyrhynchus Cristatus Hassi	Santa Cruz Marine Iguana
Amblyrhynchus Cristatus Mertensi	San Cristóbal Marine Iguana
Amblyrhynchus Cristatus Nanus	Genovesa Marine Iguana
Amblyrhynchus Cristatus Sielmanni	Pinta Marine Iguana
Amblyrhynchus Cristatus Venustissimus	Española Marine Iguana

Geographical location

• Iguanas from the islands Isabel and Fernadina are the largest, Espanola and Floreana are the most colorful, and Genovesa being the smallest.

• Their habitat is mostly near the ocean, rocky beaches and seashores

• Spend most time above ground in colonies

Climate, Biome/Enviorment

• They are herbivores, main source of food is marine algae.

• They only go under water to hunt for algae, they can last up to 30min under water.
• They can sneeze out excess salt through their nose.
• The Galapagos climate: averge 26-24C from Jan -May, 22-24C from June - Dec.
• Importance of body temperature, 10C underwater, 36C above ground
• Spending most time to bask in order to keep warm

      

Ecosystem

• They are primary consumer of algae.

• They really don't have predators (they're not tasty), but small marine iguanas can be eaten by Galapagos hawks,

             snakes, rodents and introduced species such as cats and dogs.

Reproduction

• Marine iguanas are polygamous. Males fight aggressively to secure a mate

• Females are sexually mature at 3 to 5 years

• Males sexually mature at 6 to 8 years

• Mating season, December - March

• Pregnancy: 89-120 days

                (Bigger pictures of the subspecies)

             

            

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