Galápagos land iguanas make up a part of the Galápagos Islands’ unique fauna. They were once present in such large numbers that in 1835 Darwin could not find a site free from burrows to pitch a tent. Today this island is called Santiago and not a single land iguana is to be found there. Due to the dry and arid conditions on these volcanic islands, Galápagos land iguanas obtain most of their food and moisture from the pads, fruits and even spines of the prickly pear cactus. These large, heavily built lizards sport a spikey crest running along the neck and back; they can be over a metre long.

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Galápagos land iguanas get relief from ticks by allowing local finches to pick them off their skin.


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