Found just in the Galapagos Islands, Marine Iguana is the only sea going Lizard in the world. He feeds on marine algae, which grows underwater around the islands. In order to forage in the ocean, Marine Iguana must withstand cold temperatures and salt water for long periods.
Marine Iguana is well suited for life at sea. His nasal glands concentrate saltwater, which He expels by snorting. An expert swimmer, Marine Iguana holds his legs in and swims like a Crocodile, thrashing his powerful tail from side to side. In addition, He uses his webbed feet for steering and pushing.
Everyday, Marine Iguana warms Himself by basking on the rocky coasts of the Galapagos. When He absorbs as much heat as He needs to, He dives into the ocean depths. After finding his seaweed, Marine Iguana happily munches away. Coming up for air, He heads back to his rocks to digest his meal. Since Marine Iguana takes in so much salt, He sneezes the crystals out of his nose.
When basking on the rocks, Marine Iguana Mothers and Juveniles lounge on top of each other forming large heaps of Lizards. However, Male Marine Iguana has a small basking territory all to Himself. When another Male wants his spot, the two Iguanas will “butt heads”. They try to push each other backwards with their heads. No one gets hurt but the loser retreats without further fuss.
Since the volcanic Galapagos Islands have never been attached to another landmass, scientists believe that Marina Iguana rafted over the water from South America. However, since there is food available on the islands, no one knows why Marine Iguana decided to take to the sea. In addition, Land Iguana who shares the islands with Marine Iguana is a separate species entirely. Scientists are not sure if They arrived separately or diverged quickly once arriving at the islands.
One of the most interesting of the Lizards, Marine Iguana has baffled people with his origins. While He swims in his sea and basks on his islands, scientists are trying to discover why He became a Sea Lizard. Marine Iguana simply keeps his own counsel as why He chooses to do what He does.
Conservation Note: Endangered by feral animals such as rats and cats.
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Go to Green!Common Iguana Teachings
Marine Iguana Photo copyrighted by Peter Glogg, Zollikofen, Visipix.com
Va. Carper
August 17, 2005