Fiji crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis)

Species information

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Threats

Iguanas are often feared by local people and are therefore treated with little tolerance (5). The main threat to survival of the crested iguana however, comes from habitat destruction. Particular devastation is caused by introduced goats, which were brought to Fiji in an effort improve the quality of life of local people (5). Goats have been released on fairly uninhabited islands where they graze on native trees and shrubs, making these tropical paradises uninhabitable for iguanas (5).

Conservation

The National Trust for Fiji (assisted by Taronga Zoo, Sydney, and the Kula Eco Park in Fiji) has worked for many years to preserve this enigmatic lizard (5). Yaduataba Island was cleared of goats in 1981 and declared a national sanctuary; today it is home to several thousand crested iguanas (5). A three year Fijian Crested Iguana Project has also been formulated by the Taronga Zoo, Kula Eco Park, Fijian National Trust and other organisations (8). Educational programmes and research along with a captive breeding programme are all part of this multi-faceted conservation initiative (5).