Font size:
Print
Species in News: Fijian Crested Iguana
Context:
Fiji and Tonga are home to a unique species of native iguanas that have long puzzled scientists.
More on News
- Unlike their counterparts, which are found exclusively in the Americas (from the southwestern US to the Caribbean and South America), these iguanas exist thousands of kilometres away in the South Pacific.
- A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that the iguanas’ ancestors rafted across the ocean on mats of floating vegetation.
About
- The Fiji Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is a striking and colourful reptile first described in 1980.
- This species is notable for its vibrant green colouration with distinctive white bands, and a spiky crest along its neck, back, and tail, giving it a unique appearance among other iguana species.
- These iguanas are also known for their ability to change colour, shifting from green to black when threatened or excited, often accompanied by opening their mouths and lunging to deter potential threats.
- IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
- Geography: Native to Fiji, in the South Pacific.
- Habitats: Prefers rocky areas and forests.
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on the leaves, fruits, shoots, and flowers of various trees and shrubs. Their favourite food includes the sweet hibiscus flowers of the Vau tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus).
- Predation by Introduced Species: Feral cats, mongoose, and rats are significant predators, targeting both adult iguanas and their eggs.
- Threats:
-
- Habitat Loss: The main threat to the Fiji Crested Iguana is habitat loss, caused by: Fires, Storms, Agricultural development, and Competition from feral goats.
- Hunting and Illegal Trade: The iguanas have been hunted for food and the illegal pet trade.
- Conservation Efforts: A Species Action Plan is underway for all Fijian iguanas, which includes:
- Habitat protection and restoration
- Invasive predator control
- Improved forestry and agricultural practices
- Community outreach and education
