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Fiji Island banded iguana or Fijian iguana

NAME

Common Name:

Scientific Name:

Brachylophus fasciatus

Class:

Reptilia

Order:

Squamata

Family:

Iguanidae

Genus:

Brachylophus

Species:

fasciatus

Location:Pacific Ocean Islands, Fiji, Tonga Habitat:Coastal and lowland forest. Status in wild:Critically Endangered Threat To Species:Loss of habitat; introduced cats and mongooses that eat the iguanas and their eggs.

ENVIRONMENT

DESCRIPTION

General:

The Fiji Island banded iguana (or Fijian iguana) is a green lizard related to the common green iguana. It is emerald green in color. Males have wide blue bands. Females may have a few blue spots. When stressed, this lizard turns darker in color. It has a very long tail making up 2/3 of its total length, red-orange eyes, and bright yellow nostrils.

Male:

The male has wide blue bands on its body.

Female:

The female may or may not have a few blue spots.

Natural Diet:

Leaves, flowers, fruit, and insects.

SIZE

Length:

Male/Female	23-24in
	(58.97-61.54cm)

BEHAVIOR

Social:

The Fiji Island banded iguana is a shy, secretive and solitary animal. It is arboreal (tree-dwelling) and uses its long tail for balance as it climbs through the tree tops. The male iguana is very territorial.

Activity Time:

Diurnal

Reproduction:

During courtship, the male iguana bobs his head and flicks his tongue at the female. After mating, the female digs a burrow, then lays and buries 3-6 eggs. The eggs typically hatch at the same time, and the young dig out of the burrow together without help from the parents.

GESTATION

Gestation Period:

Months

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ways To Help:

The Fiji Island banded iguana is listed on the CITES Appendix I and is also listed as endangered by US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Relevant Link:

Learn about a conservation organization for a related species, the Fiji crested iguana.

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Fiji Island banded iguana or Fijian iguana

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