Centuries-Old Reptiles Vindicated: Clarion Island Iguanas Predate Human Arrival by Millennia

In a remarkable discovery, biologists have determined that iguanas living on Clarion Island, a remote Mexican island in the Pacific Ocean, are actually native to the region and not an invasive species as previously believed. The research, published last month, shows that the spiny-tailed iguanas have been present on the island for around 425,600 years, long before any human presence.

For decades, the iguanas were assumed to be an introduced species, with locals and scientists alike thinking they had arrived in the late 20th century. However, DNA analysis by evolutionary biologist Daniel Mulcahy has revealed that the island iguanas are genetically distinct from their mainland counterparts, diverging around 425,600 years ago. This means the iguanas made an incredible 700-mile rafting journey to reach Clarion Island, the second-longest known aquatic journey for iguanas.

The discovery comes just in time, as the Mexican government was planning to eradicate the iguanas, believing them to be an invasive threat to the island's delicate ecosystem. Mulcahy and his colleagues have worked to inform officials of the iguanas' native status, ensuring they can continue living on Clarion Island undisturbed. The story highlights the importance of thorough scientific investigation before taking drastic measures against perceived invasive species, as well as the resilience of island ecosystems and the species that call them home.