La Cumbre Volcano Eruption

The recent eruption of La Cumbre volcano on the Galapagos Islands has caused significant environmental impacts, particularly on the habitat of the rare Galapagos land iguana.

About La Cumbre Volcano:

1. Location: Situated on Fernandina Island, the 3rd-largest island in the Galapagos archipelago.
2. Geological Significance: La Cumbre Volcano is located directly above the mantle plume, or hotspot, that is responsible for the formation of the entire Galapagos Islands.
3. Distance from Mainland: Approximately 1,125 kilometers from mainland Ecuador.
4. Crater and Crater Lake: The volcano features a large crater, or caldera, at its summit, which contains a permanent crater lake.

Key Facts about the Galapagos Land Iguana:

1. Endemism: One of 3 species of land iguana endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
2. Physical Characteristics: A large species of lizard, mainly herbivorous, with cold-blooded nature.
3. Mutualistic Relationship: Galapagos land iguanas have a unique mutualistic relationship with finches, often sitting on their backs and removing ticks from their scales.
4. Behavioral Patterns: Active during the day, searching for food or sunbathing on rocks, and sleeping in burrows at night.
5. Conservation Status: Listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi