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At the summit of Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island lives the Galapagos pink iguana (Conolophus marthae), a species as unique as the volcanic landscape it inhabits. Its distinctive pink hue is due to a lack of pigmentation in much of its skin, allowing blood flowing through capillaries beneath the surface to create its unmistakable color—a remarkable species that urgent conservation efforts now work to protect the pink iguana from extinction.
Discovered in 2009 by theGalapagos National Park, the population is estimated to be between 200 and 300 adult individuals, placing it in the Critically Endangered category according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). If the pink iguana were to disappear from Wolf Volcano, it would likely vanish from the planet entirely, as it is found nowhere else.
Juan Alejo Chávez, Conservation Project Manager at the Jocotoco Foundation, explains that the species’ longevity has been key to its survival: “Pink iguanas can live up to 60 years, and some of those observed today may have been born in the 1970s. However, many are no longer in their reproductive stage, worsening the situation. We need new generations to reach maturity to keep the species alive.”
The isolation that allowed their evolution also makes them vulnerable. Today, they face threats from invasive species, primarily feral cats and rats, which prey on their eggs and hatchlings. Their extinction would have broader consequences, as pink iguanas play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Their daily activities, such as soil turnover and seed dispersal, aid in vegetation regeneration. Protecting the pink iguana means conserving a unique evolutionary lineage and maintaining the ecological balance of Wolf Volcano, one of the most remote places in the archipelago.
A Partnership for Life on Wolf Volcano
To address these challenges, Metropolitan Touring and the Jocotoco Foundation have joined forces to support the restoration of the pink iguana’s natural habitat by controlling invasive species on Wolf Volcano. This project, led by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), aims to reduce predator presence and promote the recovery of the ecosystem.
“Every action we take in Galapagos has a purpose: to protect this unique paradise and ensure its future,” says Paulina Burbano de Lara, CEO of Metropolitan Touring. “Our commitment is to be a Guardian of the Majesty of Galapagos, safeguarding its biodiversity and sharing its greatness with the world.”
In October, a formal agreement was signed, attended by Eduardo Brito, Maritime Operations Manager of Metropolitan Touring; Eliécer Cruz, Director of the Galapagos Program at the Jocotoco Foundation; and Carlos Ortega, Director of the Galapagos National Park, as an honorary witness.
For Metropolitan Touring, this partnership is a natural extension of its sustainability policy, providing financial and logistical support for scientific expeditions and facilitating work in one of the archipelago’s most inaccessible areas.
Applied Science for Conservation
The Jocotoco Foundation, alongside Galapagos National Park rangers, conducts scientific actions and expeditions to install selective traps and enhance ecological restoration strategies on Wolf Volcano.
This work requires precise logistics: reaching Wolf Volcano (located in the northern part of Isabela Island) involves hours of navigation, climbing the volcano’s rocky and lava-filled terrain, and operating in extreme weather conditions. However, for the teams involved, every effort is worth it. “Controlling invasive species is key to giving pink iguanas a chance to reproduce and thrive,” adds Sevilla.
Signs of Hope: New Hatchlings on Wolf Volcano
In July 2025, the Galapagos National Park Directorate announced the discovery of new pink iguana hatchlings, a historic and hopeful milestone. Camera traps and direct observations confirmed the presence of juveniles, something not recorded in over a decade.
For Juan Chávez, this discovery demonstrates that conservation efforts are beginning to yield results. “Finding hatchlings is the clearest indicator that the population remains active. But we must reduce the threats they face in their early years of life.”
This progress, combined with ongoing control and monitoring efforts, offers a glimmer of hope for the species and underscores the value of collaboration between institutions.
Protecting What Makes Galapagos Unique
The story of the pink iguana is a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and hope. In an environment where nature pushes boundaries, this species has survived thanks to its longevity and human commitment to restoring its natural balance.
For Metropolitan Touring, supporting this project reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and conservation, inspiring every traveler to value and protect Ecuador’s biodiversity. Being a Guardian of the Majesty of Galapagos means acting with purpose, working alongside those who defend the archipelago, and preserving what makes these islands unique.
As Christian Sevilla, Director of Ecosystems at the Galapagos National Park, emphasizes, conservation is only possible through collaboration: “It cannot be achieved from a single front. It requires collaboration, science, and long-term commitment. This project is a clear example of how public-private partnerships can transform real conservation efforts on the ground.”
Through every study, expedition, and partnership, Metropolitan Touring reaffirms its purpose: to protect the majesty of Galapagos and share its greatness with the world.
A partnership between Metropolitan Touring and the Jocotoco Foundation supports the Galapagos National Park Directorate in protecting one of the planet’s rarest and most endangered species.
