Nowadays, Galapago’s pink Iguana is becoming more and more popular. Therefore, it’s common to ask some questions about pink iguanas and wonder why they are pink. In this article, I will answer the following questions: why are pink iguanas pink? What do pink iguanas eat? Where are pink Iguanas from? & are pink Iguanas poisonous? We will also learn about the pink Iguana’s ability to swim and run. Therefore, without wasting time, tet’s look at the first question: can iguanas be pink?
Can Iguanas Be Pink?
Yes, iguanas can be pink. Interestingly, pink iguanas were discovered in the Galapagos land when scientists made their first field visit near the volcano. Surprisingly, over 28 species of reptiles have been found on the Galapagos Islands in recent times.
More shockingly, 11 of 28 species are confined to a single Island, whereas three species have been introduced recently. We all know that land Iguanas are pretty common and have been kept as pets for decades. But, when the last visit recorded pink iguanas, it raised many debates.
At first, The Pink iguanas were thought to be the individual that some external agent had stained. But, later on, the last field visit to the Island also proves that the pink iguana is, in fact, a completely different species. During the last field visit, researchers captured 4 Pink Iguanas to collect blood samples for further studies and to determine why these iguanas are in pink color.
At first, people had many debates on why pink iguanas are pink. Some argued that this pink color came from adapting the regular Galapagos land Iguana due to an environmental factor. At the same time, some people debate that the pink Iguana is an entirely new species.
Some rumors also state that people used to associate the reason behind this Iguana being pink with some particular type of food. All these rumors and debates ended in 2003 when a research project was approved in close collaboration with Tor Vergata University of Rome to collect samples of 32 new reptile individuals.
Galapagos Pink Iguanas
The pink Iguana is usually found across 25km^ of Wolf Volcano’s Slope in the Northern part of Isabella Island. These unique color reptiles are extremely popular not only because of their pink color but also because they can live at a height above the cloud.
They are usually found at 5600 feet above the ground. Do you know that wolf volcano is the tallest peak in the Galapagos archipelago, and this pink Iguana is on its edge? Interestingly, the wolf volcano is still active and threatens pink iguanas living on it.
Apart from this, many invasive feral cats and rats live in the range of Pink Iguana, which preys on their eggs and young. Due to the small size of the population, apart from the threat of volcanic eruption, they are also threatened by periodic droughts. Therefore,
This Galapagos pink Iguana needs to have some babies to increase its population and replenish the aged population. Almost all pink Iguanas living at the edge of Wolf volcano on Isabela Island are adults.
Many conservationists in the Galapagos are working together to take some of the female pink Iguanas that are in heat to breed and, in turn, control its decreasing population. It is believed that half of the pink iguanas living on the Island a . re still capable of reproducing.
In addition, vital research and studies are still being carried out to learn more about these uncommon but endangered species, as little is known about them. It has been found that pink iguanas have been living for millions of years at the edge of the volcano’s complete form.
Pink iguanas evolved around 5.7 million years ago, which means they are even older than Isabella Island itself. Surprisingly, they were not discovered until the mid-1980s. Even after finding these pink Iguanas living on top of Wolf volcano, researchers failed to determine that the small population of this reptile is entirely a different species. Now, let’s take a look at why pink iguanas are pink.
Why Are Pink Iguanas Pink?
The pink iguanas got pink coloration due to the lack of pigment in their skin. The lack of pigmentation in their skin will also allow you to see their blood vessels. Apart from the pink color, they also have dark vertical stripes along their body. Their color can easily be distinguished from the other Iguana species living on the same Island.
The pink skin is busy covering their head and backs without any pigment. The pink color itself comes from the blood vessel underneath their skin. Apart from the pink coloration, they have short heads and powerful hind legs, an intimidating appearance. They use their sharp claws to attack or dig burrows.
Interesting Further Reading
- 7 Safe Plants For Iguana Enclosure
- 3 Best Tanks For Iguanas: What Size Tank For Iguana?
- What Fruits Can Iguanas Eat? 2022 Updated List
FAQ
Conclusion
By now, I hope you have all the available information on Pink iguanas, as only little is still known about them. In the future, we will get to know more about them as vital research is still being carried out currently. They are not only scarce but also threatened by their habitat, the active wolf volcano.
They are famous for their pink coloration, resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Now you know Why Are Pink Iguanas Pink? I hope I managed to give you all the information about Pink Iguanas, and if you have any questions regarding them, you can leave a comment below.
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94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.