top of page
Small Land Creatures
Marine Iguana
Status: Vulnerable
Facts
The Marine Iguana, found in The Galápagos, is the only iguana that is able to forage in the sea for algae, which makes up most of its diet. These iguanas are said to have evolved from a common ancestor and travelled to Central and South America by rafting overseas. This species is also known to be about 4.5 million years old, about the same age as the Galápagos islands.
Threats
Smaller species such as cat, rats, dogs, and pigs, prey on marine iguanas, causing them to be their biggest threats. Climate change is also a large threat; rising sea level and air temperature fluctuations causes difficulties in nesting habitat and egg development. Temperature changes also causes irregularity in the iguana’s body temperature.
Why They Matter
This species is the only oceangoing lizard in the world, making them extremely rare and unique.
African Wild Dog
Status: Endangered
Facts
The African Wild Dog, the largest indigenous canine in Africa, is easily recognizable by its hyper carnivorous diet and lack of declaws. These dogs are social, living in packs around 40, and hunt medium-sized prey such as gazelles. They are also known to run up to 44 miles per hour.
Threats
Humans are these species’ biggest threats; wild dogs are sometimes accidental and purposefully targeted. Viral diseases such as rabies and distemper are also threats, as well as decrease in habitat and available prey also affects these species.
Why They Matter
These wild dogs are vital to maintaining the ecosystem they live in; they play an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals while creating a natural balance in the wild.
Monarch Butterfly
Status: Vulnerable
Facts
The Monarch Butterfly, an insect that lives for only about 4-5 weeks, can travel between 1,200 and 2,800 miles from the United States and Canada to the Mexican forests. This species is easily distinguishable; while adults, they have bright orange-red wings with black and white dots, and while they are caterpillars, they have green and yellow stripes.
Threats
The major threats these insects face is climate change and habitat loss. With weather conditions fluctuating, this causes disruptions in the butterfly’s migration pattern as well as breeding grounds. Monarch Butterflies rely on Mexico’s forests for winter habitat while in the US, the butterflies rely on the area to reproduce and feed; both habitats are in danger of destruction and pesticides.
Why They Matter
Monarch Butterflies are vital pollinators; while feeding on nectar from wildflowers, they also pollinate them. These insects are also a vital food source for birds, small animals, and other insects.
Black Spider Monkey
Facts
The African Spider Monkey is a social species found in the Amazon rain forests in groups up to 30 monkeys. Their omnivorous diet consists of termites, grubs, leaves, flowers, berries, and fruit. They are the largest primate species in South America.
Threats
The biggest threat this species faces is the destruction of rainforests habitat. These monkeys prefer the mature tropical forests and seldom venture; they are also drastically vulnerable to the effects of forest fragmentation.
Why They Matter
The spider monkey is vital to the tropical rainforest ecosystem; they help the forest environment substantially by spreading seeds and helping plants grow and thrive.
Status: Vulnerable
Galápagos Penguin
Status: Endangered
Facts
The Galápagos Penguin, the only penguins known to live north of the equator and in the Galápagos, grow to be 19 inches tall and weigh about 5.5 pounds. They are known to breed at a specific sea surface temperature; about 77 degrees Fahrenheit and prefer air temperatures of around 59-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
These penguins face the major threats of pollution, bycatching and climate change. They are also sensitive to diseases spread by dogs and are threatened by cat predators.
Why They Matter
Due to its unique biology, the Galápagos Penguin is the only penguin known to be able to survive at the equator.
Threats
bottom of page