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Rosy Reptiles
JOSHUA VELA/GALÁPAGOS CONSERVANCY
UNUSUAL HUE: This iguana’s unique coloring comes from a lack of pigment in its skin, which allows the blood underneath to show through.
JIM MCMAHON/MAPMAN
Isabela Island, the largest of the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, is the only place on Earth where you can find pink land iguanas. After the species was discovered in 1986, scientists estimated that 300 to 350 of the lizards lived in the wild. But a recent survey found that only 211 of these rare reptiles remain in their native habitat.
Scientists are working on a plan to save this critically endangered species, or species that faces an extremely high risk of extinction. Right now, researchers are working to monitor the iguanas and locate their nests. Scientists hope that by protecting young lizards, they can help the species survive.
SPECIMEN SPOTTED: Galápagos park rangers measure a pink iguana found during their 2021 survey.