The Galapagos coastlines are not only covered with salt tolerant plants like mangroves and salt bushes but also with an enormous number of sea birds, sea lions and marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus).
The marine iguana is referred as the only sea-going lizard in the world. They are found in all the islands where rocky shores are present. They have great abilities to swim and dive which they do to depths well over 36 feet and may remain submerged for about 60 minutes! These animals are able to perform such dives by slowing their heartbeat; the metabolism allows them to work without renewing supply of oxygen for a significant period of time.
Marine iguanas are ectothermic creatures; they must regulate body temperature by behavioral means. They expose as much body surface as possible to the sun. The optimum temperature of a marine iguana is 35 degrees Celsius. It is only at this temperature that the animal is able to dive for its food. They feed only on marine algae. They choose the warm rainy season to nest. The warmer temperatures increase the rate of incubation to their eggs. Depending on the subspecies (seven total) the may lay from 1 to 4 eggs which take about 3 to 4 months to incubate.
Today we had them everywhere on our trail. Females were digging holes in the ground, females were fighting for nesting sites and others were guarding their nests. They must guard their nest as other females may dig out the eggs from the nest to then use it themselves. This is the case of the female in today's photo.
