Super El Niño Threatens Galápagos Marine Iguanas as Trafficking Surge Peaks

The super El Niño, which has intensified ocean temperatures across the Pacific, has reduced the availability of algae that marine iguanas scrape from the volcanic rocks of the Galápagos archipelago. Researchers have documented a sharp decline in iguana body condition, with many individuals showing signs of starvation. Simultaneously, enforcement agencies have reported a surge in black‑market demand for the reptiles, driven by collectors who prize the animal’s unique ability to forage at sea.

Conservationists argue that the convergence of climate stress and poaching creates a feedback loop that accelerates population loss. With fewer iguanas surviving the harsh feeding conditions, the remaining individuals become more valuable to smugglers, further incentivizing illegal capture. International wildlife treaties have been invoked, but limited resources on the islands hamper effective monitoring and interdiction.

The situation calls for coordinated action that addresses both environmental and criminal dimensions. Scientists advocate for emergency feeding programs and habitat protection measures, while law‑enforcement agencies seek to strengthen cross‑border cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks. If the current trajectory continues, the marine iguana could be reclassified to a higher threat category within the next year, underscoring the urgency of a comprehensive response.