First evidence of recruitment in critically endangered Galápagos pink land iguanas (Conolophus marthae)

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 6(4)

Published: March 27, 2024

Abstract We present the first estimate of population dynamics parameters for critically endangered Galápagos pink land iguanas, Conolophus marthae , leveraging mark‐recapture data collected between 2006 and 2021. Demographic were estimated using POPAN formulation Jolly–Seber model. This approach provided a solid robust estimate, consolidating results obtained from previous estimates based on Lincoln–Petersen method evaluating only two sampling occasions. Our suggest that abundance males was higher than females at each occasion, probably due to differences in sex‐specific behavior during reproductive season. analyses also provide no evidence change size period, 150–270 adult individuals, while suggesting positive entry rates. Finally, by comparing biometric features first‐captured versus recaptured we found former have more juvenile‐like characteristics (i.e., they are, average, smaller) latter. Although juvenile iguanas rarely been recorded (only four sampled individuals over 16 years field work), our combined clear indication known C. actively recruits new members younger age classes. Such recruitment may prevented any measurable decline last years, but it not sufficient clearly increase size. These are utmost importance conservation this species. They will guide future high‐priority actions: (i) aiming increasing removing or mitigating threats (ii) number implementing headstart program and/or founding second viable population, as identified recently published IUCN Conservation Management Plan.

Language: Английский

Novel herpesvirus in the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana

Acta Tropica, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 252, P. 107127 - 107127

Published: Feb. 3, 2024

Virus surveillance in wildlife is important to understanding ecosystem health, taxonomy, and evolution. Nevertheless, viruses reptiles, specifically squamates, continue be understudied. Herein, we conducted a health assessment on the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana (Conolophus marthae) vulnerable subcristatus). We collected oral and/or cloacal swabs from 47 clinically healthy iguanas tested for adenovirus (cloacal swabs, n = 47) herpesvirus (oral 45) using broad-spectrum PCRs. Two out of 38 (5.3%) positive herpesvirus, while no was detected all (n 7). Both herpesviral sequences were identical between them divergent (61.9% amino acid identity) when compared closest available GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ. The genetic distance this other herpesviruses consistent with its classification as novel virus species. All negative adenovirus. This first description islands, report potential pathogen iconic iguana. Further research needed understand implications conservation management one most species world.

Language: Английский

Locating Nesting Sites for Critically Endangered Galápagos Pink Land Iguanas (Conolophus marthae)

Animals, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(12), P. 1835 - 1835

Published: June 20, 2024

Invasive alien species control is recognized worldwide as a priority action to preserve global biodiversity. However, lack of general life history knowledge for threatened can impede the effectiveness conservation actions. Galápagos pink land iguanas (Conolophus marthae) are endemic Wolf Volcano, Galápagos, Ecuador. These by invasive species, particularly feral cats, that may affect their small population size. To guarantee long-term survival C. marthae, National Park Directorate considering, along with an ongoing campaign cat control, implementation head-start program. success this management strategy necessarily relies on identification iguana nesting grounds, which were still unknown at onset study. We modeled movement patterns male and female during reproductive season, using location data collected from custom-made remote tracking devices installed adult in April 2021. first calculated each individual vector distances its starting location, was defined net displacement. then used displacement response variable generalized additive mixed model day year predictor. Based hypothesis males females behaviorally differ after mating, we looked female-specific migratory behavior suggesting moving toward areas. The results obtained confirmed our hypothesis, exhibited distinct behavior, reaching plateau area inside Volcano’s caldera ca. 400 m below volcano’s northern rim. Moreover, once caldera, displayed more aggregated distribution pattern. allowed rangers locate nests subsequently sight collect observed hatchlings species. This work constitutes necessary baseline perform dedicated studies emerging hatchling iguanas, essential step development effective

Language: Английский