The Land Iguana & Santa Fe Land Iguana

The land iguana is locally fairly common, inhabiting the arid zone of the islands. Hybrids with the Marine Iguana have been recorded on South Plaza but do not appear to be very long-lived. The Santa Fe Land Iguana is fairly common; confined to Santa Fe Island, inhabiting the arid zone. On Quasar Expeditions Galapagos Cruises you will have several opportunities to see these reptiles up-close.

LAND IGUANA

Identification: Large and pale, generally yellowish-orange in color with darker brown back. Distinguished from Marine Iguana by the rather pointed nose and from the Santa Fe Land Iguana by the more restricted row of spines along the back. Adult Male: Row of long spines along back of neck, with shorter spines on head and along upper back. Mature individuals assume some red coloration, particularly during the mating season. Adult Female: Considerably smaller and less brightly colored than adult male, with shorter spines.

Behavior: Forms small colonies although often found singly. Males are highly territorial, defending their territories against intruders by engaging in head-butting battles. Breeding begins in different months on different islands: on Isabela Island in January, on Fernandina Island in June, on Santa Cruz Island in September and on South Plaza Island in January. Males can take up to 12 years to reach sexual maturity.

SANTA FE LAND IGUANA

Identification: Large and generally pale, whitish to dark brown in color, often with large dark brown blotches on the back. Distinguished from Marine Iguana by the rather pointed nose and from the Land Iguana by the more extensive row of spines along the back. Adult Male: Row of medium-length spines along neck, back and tail. In some individuals, the eyes become red. Adult Female: Considerably smaller than the adult male, with shorter spines.

Behavior: Found throughout Santa Fe away from the shoreline, forming small colonies but often found singly. Like the other iguanas, males are highly territorial, defending their territories against intruders by engaging in head-butting battles. Mating occurs in February and March. Males can take up to 12 years to reach sexual maturity.