File:Group of marine iguanas lying on rocks - DPLA - f8414a9b42bf742d51a07c6ae0fb150d.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Reptilia; Order: Squamata; Family: Iguanidae; Genus: Amblyrhynchus; Genus species: Amblyrhynchus cristatus. Animal characteristics: Identification: The marine iguana has gray to black colorations; Habitat: Volcanic islands, steep cliffs near ocean; Diet: Herbivore: marine algae, seaweed; Reproduction: Nesting occurs between January and April. One to six eggs are laid in a burrow of sand and volcanic ash and are incubated 95 days before hatching; Behavior: Marine iguanas are highly territorial; Status: Endangered; Interesting Facts: The marine iguana is the only lizard species that depends on a marine environment. They rid themselves of excess salt by excreting it via a nasal salt gland. The only threats facing these lizards are introduced predators: hawks, owls, snakes, and crabs.