Wolf Volcano (Galápagos) erupts unexpectedly

The entire Galápagos Archipelago has been formed by volcanic activity. This same activity continues to mold the islands to this day.

In the early hours of January 7, 2022, Wolf Volcano* on Isabela Island, the largest island of the archpelago, erupted without any warning. A joint team of conservation scientists were stationed on the rim of the volcano at the time of the eruption as part of an expedition to study and protect the critically endangered Pink Land Iguana (Conolophus marthae).

Fortunately, the conservation team’s field camp was located a safe distance from where the eruption occurred. Though they were in no imminent danger, the group was airlifted from the volcano by a private helicopter launched from the yacht 'Octopus' that was moored off the island.

At this point, the scientists believe that the habitat of the Pink Land Iguana remains unaffected by the volcanic activity, and as of now no additional actions are needed to protect this species. However, they will not be able to confirm this hope until they can safely conduct return expeditions to Wolf Volcano to fully assess the impacts of the eruption.

As an aside, The natural habitat on and around Wolf Volcano is under threat from the introduction of goats. So many other vulnerable habitats are olso under threat from goats. The Galapagos National Park has instituted Project Isabela to eradicate feral goats from around Wolf Volcano.

* No, there are no, nor have there ever been, wolves on the Galápagos Archipelago. The volcano is named after Franz Theodor Wolf (1841-1924), a German naturalist who studied the Galápagos Islands during the late nineteenth century. Nearby Wolf Island, also known as Wenman Island, is also named after him.

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