With a length of up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) and a weight of up to 13 kilograms (29 lb), the Galápagos land iguana is among the largest lizards in the world. It is a species of lizard from the genus of the same name, which also includes two other endemic species on the Galápagos Islands. 

Differences between the islands

The animals live on different islands of the archipelago, with the respective populations differing from each other in various characteristics. The coloration of the scales ranges from the pale yellow of the species on Santa Fe to the pink of the iguanas in the north of Isabela Island. Mating maturity also varies greatly and occurs at an age of between eight and 15 years, depending on the island. The life expectancy of Galápagos land iguanas can be over 60 years. 

Charles Darwin's experiences

While the population has declined to an estimated 10,000 due to newly introduced species such as pigs, cats and dogs, Charles Darwin wrote during his visit in 1835: "we could not for some time find a spot free from their burrows on which to pitch our single tent". The population on Santiago is now extinct. All three species are classified as threatened. 

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