About
Fiji island banded iguanas are arboreal, meaning they live primarily in the trees. They are distinguished by their vivid emerald coloring and cream-colored bands. Their skin is particularly sensitive to light. Diurnal, much of their day is spent basking in the sun. Like most lizards, these iguanas are able to make their skin darken when exposed to the sun. The dark color absorbs more of the sun’s rays which helps the iguana warm up more quickly. The “pineal eye” (circled above) on top of the head can detect levels of light.
Endangered: the current total population is roughly estimated to be 6,000 individuals scattered across the central Fiji Islands, with none of the populations being considered secure. Key threats include habitat destruction (forest burning, logging, fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and mining) and the presence of invasive predators (black rat, Indian mongoose, and feral cats). Banded iguanas are particularly vulnerable to predation when coming to the ground to nest and lay eggs. Free-ranging goats – and goat herding practices, such as fire burning – are of particular concern on smaller islands as they destroy the iguana’s food sources. They now have full protection under both Fijian and international laws. This species has also benefitted from captive breeding programs. Fiji banded iguanas have not been legally exported since the 1970s.
Habitat
This iguana is found in the Polynesian islands of Fiji, almost 2,000 miles east of Australia. The Fiji banded iguana lives in both wet and dry forests, but wetter forests contain preferred plant species.
Diet
Primarily herbivorous. Fiji banded iguanas feed mostly on leaves, flowers (especially hibiscus), and fruits, including papaya and banana with the occasional insect also being eaten. The young may drink by licking water off of leaves.
Physical Characteristics
Males are brightly colored with blue bands along the body and tail (top left). A female’s colors are more muted, mostly green with a few light spots or partial bands. Take a look at the very long tail which makes up 2/3 of their body length. In the wild, these iguanas live in the highest level of the forest canopy. This long tail helps them balance as they move from tree to tree by using the overlapping branches. Long toes with sharp claws help them climb to forage for the best leaves, flowers, and fruit. Both sexes often have raised crests that run from the head along the back and onto the tail. Some have dewlaps that hang in folds from the throat that may be erected during courtship.
LOCATION WITHIN THE ZOO
You’ll find this animal in the LAIR. See Zoo Map.
