Lava lizard (Microlophus spp) in the Galapagos Islands Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

lava lizard microlophus galapagos islands ecuador reptiles wildlife south america biodiversity nature ecology marine iguana volcanic islands endemic species animal behavior tropical climate rocky terrain lizards conservation habitat flora fauna ecosystems rocky outcrop natural history species diversity evolutionary biology island life herpetology warm blooded ecological research habitat preservation ecological balance terrestrial reptiles wildlife watching natural habitat tropical ecosystem vibrant colors reptilian features small predators instinctive behavior territorial display petrels native wildlife rock climbing survival strategies food chain environmental protection landscape geology adaptive traits