Animals That Live Near Volcanoes

WHAT ARE VOLCANOES? About 100 miles below the Earth’s surface, huge slabs of rocks called tectonic plates shift enough to cause a magma (volcanic) eruption. Magma is molten rock below the Earth’s surface. When tectonic plates move, they may leave an opening through which magma erupts.

LESSER FLAMINGO The lesser flamingos have evolved a tough, scaly layer of skin over their legs to prevent lake water from burning their skin. In addition, lesser flamingos can drink almost boiling water without harming themselves and have tiny organelles in their nasal cavities that filter out salt from water.

VAMPIRE GROUND FINCH A Galapagos volcanic island called Wolf is dry and hot, offering minimal water and food resources for the few animals that live there. However, the population of vampire ground finches thinks this is the greatest place on Earth to live! Of course, behavioral adaptations help them call this hostile place home.

THE FISH OF DEATH Home to two active volcanoes–Mauna Loa and Kilauea–the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park also harbors a much-coveted Hawaiian delicacy called Opihi. An aquatic snail with strong “feet” and a cone-shaped shell, the Hawaiian Blackfoot limpet adheres itself to rocks with this foot so firmly that hundreds of Opihi divers have drowned trying to pry the snail off rocks. Hence, the name “fish of death”.

GALAPAGOS YELLOW LAND IGUANA Fernandina Island is the most active of all the Galapagos volcanoes, erupting as recently as 1995 and 2005. Although uninhabited by humans, Fernandina Island has a thriving population of endangered species, such as sea lions, penguins, and flightless birds called cormorants. 

MARTINIQUE VOLCANIC FROG An active volcano on the French island of Martinique, Mount Pelee erupted in 1902, killing hundreds of thousands of people and nearly destroying the island. Thirty years later, Mt. Pelee erupted again in 1932. Although this eruption was bad, it wasn’t nearly as destructive as the 1902 eruption.

VOLCANIC GIANT TUBE WORM Miles under the surface of the sea where some of the strangest creatures exist, you’ll find volcanic giant tube worms flourishing where incredibly hot water flows up from cracks fragmenting the sea floor. This superheated water also contains minerals that provide food for weird animals that live near volcanoes–like the giant tube worm.

POMPEII WORM Instead of living near undersea volcanic vents, the Pompeii worm lives inside these vents. Marine biologists believe Pompeii worms are the most heat-tolerant extremophile known to exist. These complex worms thrive in temperatures above 220 degrees Fahrenheit.