The Wolf Volcano erupts on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Island chain and sparks worry that it is causing significant harm to the the unique habitat on the islands. The Wolf Volcano is on the northern tip of Isabela Island, which is the largest of the islands in the Galapagos chain. This is the first time the Wolf Volcano erupts in more than 30 years, and although it is not endangering any humans, it could pose a threat to many species of animals that live and travel only in this particular region of the world.
Wolf Volcano Erupts, Lava Headed Southwest
According to officials at the Galapagos National Park the Wolf Volcano lava flow is heading southwest, while the habitats with animals such as the iguanas and giant tortoises that live on the islands are mostly located in the northwest region of the islands.
The Ecuador Geophysics Institute officials added that the smoke from the Wolf Volcano eruption was seen to travel about six miles or 10 kilometers into the air and be headed in a southwesterly direction. Seismic activity has also been reported in the past few weeks in the area of the Sierra volcano, also located on Isabela Island where the Wolf Volcano eruption is taking place.
Galapagos Island is Protected World Heritage Site
The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has already been declared endangered due to things such as invasive species and too much tourism. There are 13 islands and 17 islets in the chain of Galapagos and it is considered to have a very active area of volcanos, so the fact that Wolf Volcano erupts from time to time is not surprising. It is not close to a human population, but the island is home to species like the unique pink iguanas, which are the only iguanas of their kind in the world, and are already marked as an endangered species.
Pink Iguanas Safe on North Side of Island
While officials now believe the iguanas are likely safe, other problems could occur, such as the harming of marine life as the lava flows into the sea or other issues for animals or people living wherever the ash cloud from the Wolf Volcano eruption settles. Officials are watching as the Wolf Volcano erupts, standing by to see if it is necessary for them to travel to the regions to protect people or endangered species as the volcanic eruption continues to take its toll on the Galapagos Island.
