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

A new scientific report is drawing attention to a worrying trend: the illegal trade of Galápagos marine iguanas. The warning appears in the latest issue of *Science*, one of the world’s top research journals. The report, published in September 2026, highlights that these unique reptiles—found nowhere else on Earth—are now being targeted by traffickers. Marine iguanas are known for their ability to swim and feed in the ocean, a rare trait among lizards. According to the study, which spans pages 981-982 of the journal’s 393rd volume, the trafficking poses a fresh threat to a species already vulnerable due to its limited habitat. The authors call for urgent action to combat this illegal activity. Experts stress that the iguanas are protected by law, but enforcement remains difficult in the remote archipelago. The new paper urges international cooperation to stop the smuggling before it escalates. The exact scale of the trade is still unclear, but the report suggests that demand for exotic pets is likely a driving factor. Researchers are now pushing for stronger monitoring at ports and airports that serve the islands. For now, the message from the scientific community is clear: without immediate intervention, these iconic animals may face a new, man-made crisis on top of existing environmental pressures.