The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are experiencing their first volcanic eruption in 33 years, threatening a one-of-a-kind lizard, yet virtually no humans.
According to Reuters, the early Monday eruption is putting the islands' population of pink iguanas, the only one in the world.
"The Wolf volcano is not located near a populated area. There is not risk for the human population. This is the only population of pink iguanas in the world," the Galapagos National Park said in a statement on their Twitter account.
The park said the volcano was inactive for 33 years, but was still not situated near any human residencies. Ecuador's Environment Ministry said in a statement the pink iguanas seem to be poised to survive the eruption, as they are on the side opposite the volcano's face where the lava is flowing.
Though the iguanas seem to be in the clear, other animals may not be so fortunate. The Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin conducted research that led him to develop his theory of evolution, are also home to giant turtles and yellow iguanas.
Darwin arrived at the islands in 1835 and published his book, "On the Origin of Species," in 1859, CNN noted. The observations of such a rich, diverse ecosystem spurred him on to develop his theories of evolution and natural selection.
The eruption also comes not long after Chile's violent eruptions, earning the South American region's nickname, "the Ring of Fire."
