Lava flow likely to reach the sea
A volcano has erupted in the Galapagos Islands, raising fears that the ecosystem could be under threat.
Wolf volcano lies on the northern tip of Isabela Island - home to a rich variety of wildlife which famously inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
The Galapagos National Park posted a picture earlier today (28 May) on their Twitter feed showing lava pouring down the sides of the Wolf volcano, while a dark plume, estimated to be 10km high, billowed overhead.
Officials say that there is no risk to people living on the island. However, the eruption has raised concerns that the lava may affect the world's only population of pink iguanas.
In a statement, the Environment Ministry said that the lava is flowing down the volcano's southern face while the iguanas inhabit the opposite side. They added that they expect the animals to escape harm.
In a separate statement, the Geophysics Institute said that it is likely the flow will reach the sea where it could harm marine life.
Pink iguanas were first discovered on the island in 1986 and were identified as a separate species, distinct from the Galapagos land iguana, early in 2009.
According to the IUCN, just 192 mature individuals exist and they have never been seen outside an area larger that 25km.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
