Scientific experts sent to the Galapagos Islands to count a critically endangered lizard species estimate there to be just 211 pink iguanas left, local authorities said Friday.
Around 30 scientists and Galapagos park rangers took part in the expedition this month on Wolf Volcano, in the north of Isabela Island—the largest on the archipelago.
"In the census, 53 iguanas were located and (temporarily) captured, 94 percent of which live more than 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level," said the Galapagos National Parks (PNG) in a statement.
That allowed the experts to "estimate a population of 211 pink iguanas."
The pink iguanas were first discovered in 1986 and identified as a separate species from the Galapagos land iguana in 2009.
Experts estimate endangered Galapagos pink iguana population at 211
Around 30 scientists and Galapagos park rangers took part in the expedition this month on Wolf Volcano, in the north of Isabela Island—the largest on the archipelago.
"In the census, 53 iguanas were located and (temporarily) captured, 94 percent of which live more than 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level," said the Galapagos National Parks (PNG) in a statement.
That allowed the experts to "estimate a population of 211 pink iguanas."
The pink iguanas were first discovered in 1986 and identified as a separate species from the Galapagos land iguana in 2009.
Experts estimate endangered Galapagos pink iguana population at 211
