Santa Fe Land Iguana Facts

Name: Santa Fe Land Iguanas
Family: Iguanidae
Scientific Name: Conolophus pallidus
Length: Up to 120 cm (39 in)
Weight: Males up to 75kg (165 lbs) - Females up to 35kg (75 lbs)

Category: Reptiles
Number of Species: 28
Endemic Species: 19

Twenty eight species of reptiles have been recorded in Galapagos in recent times. Nineteen of these species are endemic to the archipelago, 11 of which are confined to single islands, and three species have been introduced.

Category: Reptile
The land iguana is locally fairly common, inhabiting the arid zone of the islands. Hybrids with the Marine Iguana have been recorded on South Plaza but do not appear to be very long-lived. The Santa Fe Land Iguana is fairly common; confined to Santa Fe Island, inhabiting the arid zone. On Quasar Expeditions Galapagos Cruises you will have several opportunities to see these reptiles up-close.

Identification:
Large and generally pale, whitish to dark brown in color, often with large dark brown blotches on the back. Distinguished from Marine Iguana by the rather pointed nose and from the Land Iguana by the more extensive row of spines along the back. Adult Male: Row of medium-length spines along neck, back and tail. In some individuals, the eyes become red. Adult Female: Considerably smaller than the adult male, with shorter spines.

Behavior:
Found throughout Santa Fe away from the shoreline, forming small colonies but often found singly. Like the other iguanas, males are highly territorial, defending their territories against intruders by engaging in head-butting battles. Mating occurs in February and March. Males can take up to 12 years to reach sexual maturity.