Abstract

This paper presents novel baseline health parameters on the Española lava lizard (Microlophus delanonis). Blood samples and morphological measurements were taken on 51 lizards (21 males, 30 females) captured from three locations on the island of Española. Morphological parameters measured included body weight, snout–vent length, and temperature. Blood samples were analyzed approximately 8 h after collection using an i-STAT portable blood analyzer that measured hemoglobin, total CO₂, glucose, lactate, sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium. Hematologic characterization data were obtained using standard laboratory techniques. There were significant differences found in snout–vent length, weight, heart rate, respiratory rate, total CO₂, and heterophil percentage between males and females. The data presented herein can be used to monitor the health of this population of Española lava lizards as well as help to understand the health of a related species, the San Cristóbal lava lizard (Microlophus bivittatus), which faces different evolutionary pressures including the presence of humans and feral cats. This study continues to widen our understanding of the genus Microlophus; however, further research should characterize the remaining species that inhabit the islands in the Galápagos archipelago.