Amblyrhynchus cristatus ssp. cristatus
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
REPTILIA |
SQUAMATA |
IGUANIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Amblyrhynchus cristatus ssp. cristatus
|
| Species Authority: |
Bell, 1825 |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
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. cristatus is found on Fernandina Island. Extent of occurrence is estimated at less than 100 km² and area of occupancy at less than 10 km², both of which meet the CR criterion B thresholds. However, there is no continuing decline in habitat, range or population size and the population appears to be stable. The main threat to the population is future decline or loss through the effect of El Niño.
|
Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
A. c. cristatus occurs on Fernandina Island. 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 population is estimated at between 80,000–150,000 individuals and is stable.
|
| 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 periodic dramatic (> 85%) mortality in A. cristatus. However, the A. c. cristatus population is apparently stable and the main threat is likely to be the subspecies’ restricted range area, which makes it vulnerable to stochastic events.
|
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, and monitoring of the population.
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