pink land iguanas in Galapagos

Chlidonias

Chlidonias

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Pink iguanas discovered on Galapagos Islands - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
A team of Ecuadoran and Italian researchers have discovered a unique species of pink land iguanas living on the Galapagos Islands, the scientist who wrote the report said.

"It is surprising to have found in the 21st century a find of this magnitude," Washington Tapia, head of research at the Galapagos National Park, said.

Researchers at first thought that the iguanas, which are pink with black spots, simply had skin pigmentation problems, Mr Tapia said.

The first pink iguanas were discovered in 1986, and after years of research scientists concluded that it was a unique species.

"We have not yet determined the size of the population, but we estimate that it is small because we have only captured 36 pink iguanas for research up to now," Mr Tapia said in a telephone interview.

The pink species can be up to 1.8 metres long as measured from tip to tail, and unlike the other land iguanas does not have a row of spines running up its head.

"It is a unique species," Mr Tapia said.

"But more research is needed to better determine its unique characteristics."
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Excellent news, a new species in Darwin's kitchen!

Given that only 36 were captured probably implies that pretty soon the entire colony will be relocated to the tortoise breeding unit at the main captive-breeding center to promote fast head-starting for a lizard in need!
 
I think there are feral cats on the Island which are a problem for the young
 
That is exactly the reason why I say that the remaining iguanas will be captured for a captive-breeding project and the head-started captive-bred iguana released after 3-4 years in captivity.

The adults should remain in the breeding station ensuring the the best genetic make-up of breeding combinations can be applied. Besides it will enable mangers to genetically fingerprint their individual iguanas.

Genetic population management is becoming ever more important in wild species management, both in dwarf forms as well as mega vertebrates.
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Genetic population management is becoming ever more important in wild species management, both in dwarf forms as well as mega vertebrates.
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Especially with small gene pools.
 
How odd. I would think the sun would be more harmful for these guys than the other iguana species.
 
You often get marine iguanas of this colour and it doesn't harm them. Very interesting discovery.
 
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