Wed. 2/20

Reptiles - Marine Iguana 
Scientific name: Amblyrhynchus cristatus
Sometimes called: Galápagos marine iguana
Marine iguanas are found in of course, the Galapagos Islands, but can also be found on the rocky shores, mangroves, or beaches.   These are the worlds only marine lizards. They can dive up to 50 feet and stay under water for about 40 minutes.  The have evolved blunt noses to help them feed on seaweed, a strong tale for swimming, and powerful limbs with strong claws to help them cling to rocks.  They also have a specific nasal gland that allows them to spew out salt from their system.  This animal is not endangered, however, they do face threats.  Things like predators such as hawks, cats, and dogs affect them. But mainly El Nino changing the coastal environment and depleting their food sources, causes the death of marine Iguanas by 50 percent.

http://www.arkive.org/galapagos-marine-iguana/amblyrhynchus-cristatus/

I chose this animal because I watched a special on the TV on the Galapagos islands recently and thought these marine iguanas were very interesting creatures.