Range

Fijian banded iguanas are found naturally on the Fijian islands. They have been introduced to Vanuatu.

Habitat

They live in shrubland, mesic, wet and moist forests, coastal swamps and rocky areas.

Reproduction

To attract a mate the male will bob his head and flick his tongue at the female.

Following a successful mating the female will dig a hole which is the length of her body in the soil. In to this she deposits 3 to 6 eggs. She taps down the soil over the eggs with her head. These eggs incubate for up to nine months. Hatching typically occurs in the wet season.

Breeding may take place twice a year.

Juvenile iguanas are on their own from day one.

Behavior

The Fijian banded iguana is a good climber and spends most of their time in the tree by crossing overlapping branches to remove the need to go on the ground.

When threatened the male iguana will bob his head to intimidate the other male. They can also turn black when a predator is near them.

Like most reptiles they are reliant on the heat from the sun for energy. They can darken the skin to absorb more heat.

Quick facts

This species is considered a national treasure in Fiji where they have featured on stamps, currency and phone book covers.

These are one of the very few iguanas which are found outside of the New World.