by, or close to, 2050.

El Nino can bring food shortages for some species like marine iguanas and sea turtles, as the warmer ocean means dwindling food sources. Scientists observing the species have noted a significant decline in population numbers during El Nino events.Marine iguanas swim like snakes through the water from rock to rock as waves crash against the shore of Fernandina Island. They latch themselves onto the undersea rocks to feed on algae growing there, while sea lions spin around them like puppies looking for someone to play with.

The iguanas were “one of the most affected species from El Niño last year and right now they are still recovering,” said Galapagos Conservancy Director Jorge Carrión.Two marine iguanas found only in the Galapagos swim on the outskirts of Fernandina Island, Ecuador on Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alie Skowronski)Two marine iguanas found only in the Galapagos swim on the outskirts of Fernandina Island, Ecuador on Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alie Skowronski)

A marine iguana found only in the Galapagos Islands feeds on algae and other plants off of Fernandina Island, Ecuador on Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alie Skowronski)A marine iguana found only in the Galapagos Islands feeds on algae and other plants off of Fernandina Island, Ecuador on Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alie Skowronski)

As rising ocean temperatures threaten aquatic or seagoing life, on land there’s a different problem. Feral animals — cats, dogs, pigs, goats and cattle, none of them native — are threatening the unique species of the islands.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are abandoning the dogs and cats they wanted to keep them company, Cabezas said.The sea erosion did not even spare the main school. In February, part of its buildings crumbled.

Houses destroyed by sea erosion sit along the water at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida community, on the island of Brique, in the Bailique Archipelago, district of Macapa, state of Amapa, northern Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)Houses destroyed by sea erosion sit along the water at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida community, on the island of Brique, in the Bailique Archipelago, district of Macapa, state of Amapa, northern Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Market owner Reginaldo dos Santos observes the front of his market at the Vila Progresso community, on the island of Brique, in the Bailique Archipelago, district of Macapa, state of Amapa, northern Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)Market owner Reginaldo dos Santos observes the front of his market at the Vila Progresso community, on the island of Brique, in the Bailique Archipelago, district of Macapa, state of Amapa, northern Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)