Santa Fe land iguana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa Fe land iguana |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Conolophus
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| Species: |
pallidus
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The Santa Fe land iguana (also called the Barrington land iguana) is a special type of lizard. It belongs to the Iguanidae family, which includes many different kinds of iguanas. This iguana is one of three species in the Conolophus group. You can only find it on Santa Fe Island in the amazing Galapagos Islands. This means it is endemic to that one island, making it very unique!
About the Santa Fe Land Iguana
How It Was Named
A scientist named Edmund Heller, who studied animals, first described this iguana in 1903. Sometimes, scientists wonder if the Santa Fe land iguana is its own species or just a different version of the Galapagos land iguana found on other islands. But for now, it's known as its own species.
The second part of its scientific name, pallidus, comes from a Latin word meaning "pale." This name fits perfectly because this iguana is lighter in color than another type of iguana called C. subcristatus.
What It Looks Like
The Santa Fe land iguana looks a lot like the Galapagos land iguana. However, it has some special differences. It is a paler yellow color. It also has a longer, more pointed nose and spikier scales on its back.
These iguanas can grow to be about 0.91 m (3 ft) long, including their tail. They can weigh up to 11 kg (25 lb). Since they are cold-blooded, they need the sun to warm up. They love to bask on warm volcanic rocks during the day. At night, they sleep in burrows (underground tunnels) to stay warm.
These iguanas also have a cool partnership with the island's finches. The birds help the iguanas by picking off parasites and ticks from their skin. This gives the iguana relief, and the birds get a tasty meal!
What It Eats
Santa Fe land iguanas mostly eat plants, which means they are herbivorous. But sometimes, they are also opportunistic carnivores. This means they will eat meat if they get the chance! They might snack on insects, centipedes, or even carrion (dead animals).
Fresh water is hard to find on the islands where they live. So, these iguanas get most of their water from the prickly-pear cactus. This cactus makes up about 80% of their diet! They eat the fruit, flowers, pads, and even the spines of the cactus. When it rains, they will drink from puddles and enjoy eating the yellow flowers of the Portulaca plant.
