• Iguanas are rated as critically endangered.
• National park rangers made the initial discovery of them in 1986.
• This discovery represents a considerable advancement.

Since the species was just recently discovered, researchers have now found hatchling and juvenile populations of the Galapagos pink land iguana, an endangered reptile that is only found on one island in the Ecuadorean archipelago.

It is believed that there are just a few hundred of the iguanas, which are native exclusively to Isabela Island in the Galapagos and the slopes of Wolf Volcano, left in the world.

Director of the Galapagos National Park Danny Rueda said in a statement on Tuesday that 'this discovery marks a huge step forward, which allows us to define a roadmap moving ahead to conserve the pink iguana.'

 The iguanas, which can grow as long as 18.5 inches (47 cm), were found for the first time in 1986 by park rangers working for the government. It took decades for scientists to identify the pink iguana as a distinct species from others on the island.

 According to the national park, the island's invasive species, particularly rats, are a threat to their population. Knowing everything that makes their survival vulnerable would enable us to act quickly, particularly against invasive species, and prevent upsetting the normal cycles of these delicate ecosystems, according to Rueda.

 With its distinctive species, the Galapagos Islands played a significant role in the development of British scientist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, and many iguana species, including the pink iguana, are among the unique animals that call it home. 

The national park set up a research and monitoring station at the base of the Wolf Volcano, one of the most remote locations it keeps an eye on.