Amblyrhynchus cristatus ssp. albemarlensis
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
REPTILIA |
SQUAMATA |
IGUANIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Amblyrhynchus cristatus ssp. albemarlensis
|
| Species Authority: |
Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1962 |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
Galapagos Marine Iguana, Isabella Marine Iguana, Sea Iguana |
| French |
– |
Amblyrhynche à crête, Iguane marin |
| Spanish |
– |
Iguana Marina |
|
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Vulnerable
B2ab(iii)c(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:
Amblyrhynchus cristatus albemarlensis is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. This subspecies occurs on Crossman and Tortuga islets (Isabela Island) with the population being concentrated in four major areas. Total extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km² and area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 500 km². The main threats to the population are predation by introduced species (dogs, cats, rats and pigs) and habitat loss. The effects of El Niño also cause periodic population declines.
|
Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
The marine iguana occurs on the Galápagos Islands. A. c. albemarlensis is restricted to Crossman and Tortuga Islets off Isabela Island. Extent of occurrence is estimated at less than 5,000 km² and area of occupancy at less than 500 km². Average generation length is five years for females and 12 years for males. |
| 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: |
The total population of A. c. albemarlensis is estimated at between 20,500–40,000 individuals. Recruitment appears to be zero in all subpopulations on the west and north side of Isabela (Los Cañones, Bahia Urbina, Muñeco and Punta Albermarle), probably because of introduced predators.
|
| Population Trend: |
Unknown
|
Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
A. cristatus is 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 periodic dramatic (> 85%) mortality in the A. cristatus population. The main threats to A. c. albemarlensis are declining habitat quality and predation by introduced species (cats, dogs, rats and pigs).
|
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 species include: further surveys for the subspecies, taxonomic research, research into factors limiting the population size, habitat and limiting factor management and control of introduced feral predators.
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