New Wolf Volcano Expedition: Committed to Protecting the Pink Iguana

Since 2022, Galápagos Conservancy has been working in collaboration with the Galápagos National Park Authority to implement the Galápagos Pink Iguana (Conolophus marthae) Conservation and Management Plan 2022-2027. Discovered in 1986 and officially described in 2009, the species is critically endangered, with only 300 individuals remaining. The urgency of protecting the pink iguana cannot be overstated. The plan takes a detailed approach, prioritizing control of invasive species and conducting research to fill critical gaps in our understanding of iguana ecology.

Recently, a team of eight rangers and scientists from the Galápagos Conservancy embarked on an expedition to the remote Wolf Volcano in the north of Isabela Island, the only known habitat of the pink iguana. The team carried out its responsibilities to save the species: monitoring the population, understanding the threats it faces and assessing its habitat. The information collected is critical to determining whether and how to move forward with the second phase of the plan, which could include the establishment of a potential jump start or captive breeding program to improve pink iguana survival.

Advances Conservation and Current Challenges

The expedition provided important insights that reveal both progress and challenges in saving the pink iguana from extinction. Healthy adults were found, which is encouraging. However, no newborns or juveniles were found. During this expedition, numerous tracks of feral cats were recorded, raising concerns about the role of cats in reducing the survival rate of pink iguanas.

Expanding the benefits of these expeditions

Main goal These expeditions are to protect the pink iguana, but their impact goes far beyond this species. Each visit to Wolf Volcano allows for monitoring of other threatened species in the area. For example, a recent expedition discovered 55 yellow Galapagos iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus), including five newborns. This information is critical for refining conservation strategies for closely related species that share the same habitat. It also helps determine the impact of yellow iguanas on pink iguanas.

The expeditions are also collecting important data on the endemic Volcano giant tortoise (Chelonoidis becki). Sightings included both male and juvenile turtles, as well as a significant number of females, which are more common at lower elevations during the nesting season. Our conservation team monitors their welfare and identifies potential threats they face. One of them is the invasion of Wolf Volcano by an exotic species of guava tree, which park guards are trying to control.

Pink Iguana Conservation and Management Plan: Path to Recovery

Plan Pink Iguana Conservation and Management 2022–2027 is strategically organized with phased goals to guide our efforts. In the first phase (2022–2024), we focus on addressing existing knowledge gaps in pink iguana ecology. We also control invasive species where necessary. Our commitment is strong: if we do not see the expected results, such as increased natural recruitment, by the end of the third year, we will move on to the next priority of the plan - implementing a captive breeding and rearing program. This adaptive approach allows us to respond to new challenges and adopt new strategies that will ensure the survival of this unique species.

Commitment to long-term conservation

Galápagos Conservancy together with our partners are completely dedicated to the conservation of the pink iguana. We are actively implementing the Management Plan by conducting quarterly expeditions to Wolf Volcano. These expeditions help control iguana populations and help reduce predator numbers, thereby improving conditions for the recovery of native species, both pink iguanas and others that inhabit this sensitive area.

The future of the pink iguana depends on continued the commitment and efforts of many who are involved in its preservation. As 2025 approaches, decisions based on the results of these expeditions will be critical in determining the next steps for the conservation of this iconic Galapagos species.

Call to Action

The results of this expedition go beyond simple data collection; they serve as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to conserve wildlife. The lack of juvenile pink iguanas highlights the urgent need for increased intervention, as noted by Dr. Jorge Carrion, our Director of Conservation, who emphasizes its importance to ensure the long-term survival of the species.

Source: galapagos.org