We are Galapagos Conservation and we’re proud to support scientific research, as well as preserve the natural heritage of the archipelago. We contributed three important specimens this week to the Vertebrate Collection of the Charles Darwin Research Station. This collection, which is the largest repository for natural history specimens on the Galapagos Islands with over 135,000 specimens and 7,500 species, houses the most specimens. The zoological collections are an important resource for conserving and studying the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.
Specimens Contributed
- The Pink Iguana is a Conolophus Marthae. A complete skeleton was found by a Galapagos Conservancy Expedition to Wolf Volcano at the northern end Isabela Island . The holotype, a specimen that is essential to the classification of this critically endangered species and endemic, has not yet been designated. This contribution could become the official pink iguana holotype, marking a milestone in scientific documentation for this newly discovered species.
- “Aplastado Giant Tortoise” ( Chelonoidis Vicina) : The shell of a giant tortoise male was delivered to Cerro Azul Volcano, Southern Isabela Island during a Galapagos Conservancy Expedition. This shell has a flattened morphology that is unique to Cerro Azul tortoises. This shell is unique in that there are no previous records of such a form. Studying this shell will help us better understand the morphological variation among Galapagos tortoises.
- Eastern Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise ( The first adult shell of Chelonoidis Donfaustoi will be added to the Charles Darwin Research Station collection in 2020.
Science and the Future
These specimens will become part of the scientific collections, underlining the importance of physical records in the study and preservation of the unique Galapagos reptiles.
These specimens have a significant impact on our understanding of Galapagos biodiversity and provide new research opportunities. Each specimen contains valuable information on the morphological variations of these key species.
Every contribution that improves the scientific collection strengthens our commitment to conservation. This integration represents not only an important step for research, but also highlights the importance of institution collaboration in protecting Galapagos’ unique species.
©Galápagos Conservancy
