Here is what the page “Super El Niño and Trafficking Surge Threaten Galapagos Marine Iguanas, Scientists Warn” contains. The Galapagos marine iguana, the world's only seafaring lizard, faces a dual crisis as a super El Niño event and a surge in black-market trafficking collide, according to international scientists. The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures, is decimating the algae that marine iguanas depend on for food, leading to starvation and population decline. Simultaneously, researchers have observed a 'strange uptick' in illegal trafficking of these unique reptiles, likely driven by demand from exotic pet collectors.
This combination of environmental stress and human exploitation could push the species toward a fight for survival. Conservationists are calling for increased enforcement against wildlife trafficking and urgent measures to protect critical iguana habitats. The situation underscores the broader vulnerability of Galapagos wildlife to climate change and illegal trade. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.