Science Journal Flags Illegal Iguana Smuggling in New Report — 2 Pages of Urgent Warning

Science Journal Flags Illegal Iguana Smuggling in New Report — 2 Pages of Urgent Warning

A new report in the journal *Science* warns that Galápagos marine iguanas are now being targeted by traffickers, adding a fresh threat to a species already vulnerable due to its limited habitat.

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The study, published in the September 2026 issue of *Science* (Volume 393, Issue 6815), spans pages 981-982 and highlights that these unique reptiles—found nowhere else on Earth—are protected by law but face growing illegal trade pressure [1]. Experts say demand for exotic pets is likely driving the smuggling, and enforcement remains difficult in the remote archipelago [1]. Researchers are calling for urgent international cooperation and stronger monitoring at ports and airports serving the islands [1]. The exact scale of the trade is still unclear, but the report stresses that without immediate intervention, these iconic animals may face a new, man-made crisis on top of existing environmental pressures [1].

Sources

Galápagos Marine Iguanas: Smugglers’ New Target? Scientists Raise Alarm #234538

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