Amblyrhynchus cristatus ssp. venustissimus
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
REPTILIA |
SQUAMATA |
IGUANIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Amblyrhynchus cristatus ssp. venustissimus
|
| Species Authority: |
Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1962 |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
Española Marine Iguana, Galapagos Marine Iguana, Sea Iguana |
| French |
– |
Amblyrhynche à crête, Iguane marin |
| Spanish |
– |
Iguana Marina |
|
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Vulnerable
B2ac(iv)
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2004 |
| Assessor/s: |
Nelson, K., Snell, H. & Wikelski, M. |
| Reviewer/s: |
Hudson, R. & Alberts, A. (Iguana Red List Authority) |
| Contributor/s: |
|
Justification:
The marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. A. c. venustissimus is found on Española and Gardner Islands. Extent of occurrence is estimated at less than 100 km² and area of occupancy at less than 10 km². There are two subpopulations, with an estimated total 10,000–21,000 individuals. The main threat to the population is fluctuations in population size as a result of El Niño effects.
|
Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
A. c. venustissimus occurs on Española and Gardner Islands. Extent of occurrence is estimated at less than 1,000 km² and area of occupancy at less than 10 km². |
| Countries: |
Native: Ecuador (Galápagos) |
| FAO Marine Fishing Areas: |
Native:
Pacific – southeast
|
| Range Map: |
Click here to open the map viewer and explore range. |
Population
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| Population: |
Average generation length is 5 years for females and 12 years for males. The total current population is estimated at between 10,000–21,000 individuals occurring in two locations.
|
| Population Trend: |
Stable
|
Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
The world's only marine lizard species. Adults and juveniles occur on rocky coast and intertidal zones. Adult females can be found nesting up to 2 km inland and adult males can be found in marine waters, up to depths of 20 m.
|
| Systems: |
Terrestrial; Marine |
| Major Threat(s): |
El Niño causes extreme fluctuations in population size. The population may also be threatened by pollution.
|
Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
A. cristatus is included on CITES Appendix II. It is under "Special Law" in the Galápagos and occurs in three protected areas: Galápagos National Park and National Marine Reserve; Galápagos Islands Man and Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO); and Galápagos Islands World Heritage Site.
Conservation actions recommended for the subspecies include: further surveys for the subspecies, taxonomic and limiting factor research, and monitoring of the population and its habitat.
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