MORE EXOTIC SPECIES INTRODUCED INTO GALAPAGOS
Alarmed by the apparition of a green iguana species in the streets of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, members of the community immediately information the Park Wardens in the Technical Office in San Cristobal of the presence of the strange reptile so that they could take the necessary action.
The Galapagos National Park Wardens captured the iguana quickly and then gave it to CIMEI so that they could identify and evaluate its status and origin.
As far as is known, this green iguana lives in the coastal part of Ecuador but is widely spread from Central America to Brazil.
The green iguana is different to the Galapagos iguanas. It reproduces easily and its introduction into the archipelago will create competition for space and food with the endemic Galapagos iguanas.
In addition, a resident of Santa Cruz found a female adult tortoise, of the Rhinoclemmys species, whilst he was clearing some land.
For the moment, the tortoise and the iguana are awaiting transfer to a rescue centre belonging to the Ministry of the Environment, before being repatriated to their natural habitat.
Despite their being an inspection and quarantine system to stop the introduction of invasive species, these species are found. This year, in San Cristobal, there have been sightings of a Titi Tamari monkey, two river tortoises, tilapia fish in the Junco Lagoon and now these two new invasive species.
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