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Photo.Keely | all galleries >> Travel >> Ecuador > Land Iguana (Conolophus subcristatus)
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20-NOV-2012 Dick Keely

Land Iguana (Conolophus subcristatus)

Santa Fe Island, Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is a species of lizard in the family Iguanidae. It is one of three species of the genus Conolophus. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, primarily the islands of Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Baltra, and South Plaza. The Galapagos land iguana varies in morphology and coloration among different island populations.

Charles Darwin described the Galapagos land iguana as "ugly animals, of a yellowish orange beneath, and of a brownish-red colour above: from their low facial angle they have a singularly stupid appearance." The Galapagos land iguana grows to a length of three to five feet with a body weight of up to twenty-five pounds, depending upon which island they are from. Being cold-blooded, they absorb heat from the sun by basking on volcanic rock, and at night sleep in burrows to conserve their body heat. These iguanas also enjoy a symbiotic relationship with birds; the birds remove parasites and ticks, providing relief to the iguanas and food for the birds. Reference: Wikipedia

Nikon D800E ,Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR AF
1/500s f/11.0 at 400.0mm iso640 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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sandra kroeger06-Mar-2013 23:57
Nice details!
Guest 06-Jan-2013 16:43
Fantastic. !!!!!!
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