Iguanas and snakes have a natural predator-prey relationship. Snakes hunt for iguanas to eat, while iguanas have to do their best to evade them. This sometimes leads to some incredible chases. This video by the BBC shows one of these chases! Read on to learn more about this thrilling pursuit.
Marine iguana hatchlings are hunted by Galápagos racer snakes soon after hatching.
©iStock.com/Fred Chaveton
Predator-Prey Relation
In the video above, the Galápagos racer snake is hunting down a marine iguana. This is reflective of their relationship in the wild. These snakes often hunt iguanas—specifically small and weak hatchlings—by ambush. By capitalizing on the iguanas’ most vulnerable times, these snakes are effective hunters. Although it may appear that the snakes are hunting as a pack in the video, each snake is actually hunting individually, all targeting the same prey. This stacks the odds against the iguanas, as they must avoid a large number of snakes vying for the same prey. This makes it extremely important for iguanas to be skilled at running and slipping away from the snakes’ constricting grip.
In the video, the iguana seems to have an immense amount of luck on its side to be able to get away. In most circumstances, an iguana would likely succumb to the snake’s many hunting methods. First, the snakes latch onto the iguana and coil around it. Although the Galápagos racer snake is mildly venomous, its venom is not potent enough to immobilize an iguana; instead, it relies on constriction to subdue its prey. However, because so many snakes become tangled with each other, the iguana can wriggle free while the snakes inadvertently hinder each other. These quick reflexes highlight the iguana’s strength in stressful and difficult situations. By reacting quickly, the iguana was able to escape and dash away while the snakes remained tangled.
A Galápagos racer snake captures its prey.
©Rachel Palmer-Goncalves/iStock via Getty Images
Snakes vs. Iguanas: Who Wins?
The Galápagos racer snake can slither at around three miles per hour, making it a relatively fast species. However, iguanas and their hatchlings are even faster, thanks to their explosive leg power. This makes the two somewhat evenly matched; it’s difficult to say who would normally win. For example, snakes can slither and make sudden changes in direction due to their flexibility. On the other hand, strong legs help iguanas navigate the rocky terrain of their habitats quickly. Ultimately, the outcome often depends on the terrain: snakes have a better chance on open sand, where iguanas cannot run quickly, while iguanas excel on the rocky terrain to which they are adapted.
