H4_W2_012

Date: 2017

Location: Galapagos Islands

Did you know?

A large lizard which is unique amongst all lizards, a marine lizard with ability to forage sea for its main food - algae. Found only in the island of Galapagos in Ecuador. These are the only Iguanas which are alive and spends time in the Marine Habitat The much-maligned marine iguanas of the Galápagos Islands are so famous homely, even Charles Darwin piled on, describing them as "hideous-looking" and "most disgusting, clumsy lizards." They’re not the prettiest of the animals around with their wide-set eyes, smashed-in faces, spiky dorsal scales, and knotty, salt-encrusted heads. But what these unusual creatures lack in looks they make up for with their amazing and unique ecological adaptations.

About the picture

A difficult subject to shoot as the sea is rough and have to photograph in a moving boat. This Lizard came out to sun bathe on a rock. Typically they camouflage blend with the rock and from a distance it is hard to identify and get to water as one gets closer.

Fun Fact

Through study it is proved that the marine iguana was estimated to have diverged from land iguanas some 8–10 million years ago.