Volcano eruption in the Galapagos

The Wolf volcano started spewing fire, thick smoke and lava early on Monday, according to reports from the Galapagos National Park.

Wolf is situated on the northern tip of Isabela Island, home to several distinctive species of flora and fauna, including the world's only population of pink iguanas.

Authorities said lava was flowing from the peak in a southwesterly direction, and posed no risk to populated areas, although there's a possibility the scorching flows could impact local wildlife.

Wolf, which last erupted in 1982, is one of five active volcanoes on the island. At 1,700 meters above sea level (5,280 feet), it's also the archipelago's highest point.

The eruption in Ecuador comes just weeks after the eruptions of the Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica and Chile's Calbuco volcano.

nm/msh (AP, Reuters, AFP, dpa)