NatureFiji-MareqetiViti

Fiji Banded Iguana adults are 136-193 mm SVL in size, while the hatchlings range from 65-83 mm SVL. Banded iguanas are generally more slender and smaller than their endemic relative the Fiji Crested Iguana, and have a smoother appearance. Banded iguanas have a single row of small scales, which look like a row of short sharp teeth running from their nape to the base of their tail, but on the Crested Iguana, these are much enlarged and form the crest from which it derives its name.

The main distinguishing feature between male and female banded iguana is that the females do not have bands on the body. The females have a uniform green colouring, with the occasional one having a very light whitish band, whilst males are obviously banded. The dorsal surface background of the males ranges from a bright to dark green with white bands on the side of the body. Tails of both females and males are encircled by alternating white and green stripes and they have a yellowish green chest and belly. Their eyes are reddish orange.

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The banded iguana is native to Fiji and was introduced to Tonga (approximately 300years ago), and is an even more recent introduction to Vanuatu (1960s). This iguana is widespread in Fiji, they are found in parts of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Ovalau, Gau, Koro, Viwa Island (Tailevu), Makogai, Banded iguanas are reported from many islands in the Lau Group but confirmation is required for many of these.

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Banded iguanas occur in coastal lowland forests, and are often associated with the ivi tree (Tahitian Chestnut, Inocarpus fagifer), and can also be found on other introduced trees such mango (Magnifera indica). There is limited ecological information available on wild populations, however extensive research has been conducted on captive individuals. Unlike their endemic and endangered relative, banded iguanas are omnivorous rather than herbivorous, feeding on plant leaves and the occasional smaller lizards and insects. Captive banded iguanas have been observed to engage in courtship and mating behaviour in November and females lay their eggs from January to early March. The egg shells are white and elliptic in shape, are laid in clutches of 3-6, arranged in a compact group within a burrow that is approximately as long as the female iguanas body. The incubation period ranges from 4-7 months or 125-210 days.

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Habitat destruction through either by clearing or modification by goat grazing and fire; introduced predators such as the domestic and feral cats (Felis catus) and mongoose (Herpestes javanicus); and poaching are the primary threats to the survival of this species. The fact that the banded iguanas lay their eggs in burrows under ground increases their vulnerability to predation by feral cats, rats and mongoose. Banded iguanas are still occasionally found on islands with the mongoose such as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu but they are exceedingly rare and their long-term survival is doubtful in the presence of this carnivore.

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The banded iguana is currently classified as Endangered (IUCN 2007). Before the arrival of introduced mammalian predators, iguanas were probably common to very common on all islands with forest. Banded iguana eggs were cooked for consumption by Fijians, and as late as the 1870s early European travellers described their empty shells being hung in the houses as decoration. The Banded iguana is protected under the Endangered Species and Protection Act but there are no reserves or sanctuaries specifically conserving this species even though this was recommended by Bustard as early as the 1970s. A considerable body of captive breeding data and expertise has been built up at the Kula EcoPark and Taronga Park Zoo.

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Unfortunately for the banded iguanas, there are many myths and legends about them that have, even to this date, made them a grossly misunderstood animal. In some parts of Fiji they are falsely alleged to be evil animals that will attack you in the forest, and that upon landing on you, they will take your skin with them as you remove them. Sadly, it is these very myths, in addition to habitat destruction and predation by introduced mammals that have contributed to the unnecessary killing of this rather timid and helpless animal. In the 1970s, for example, banded iguanas were killed along with the pest rhinoceros beetles, by labourers who encountered them when climbing coconut trees. Needless to say, there is one such lizard â€“ the giant forest gecko Gehyra vorax that does â€˜stickâ€™ to you in the unfortunate circumstance of it falling upon you in the forest â€“ but it is harmless. The giant forest gecko, like the iguana is more likely to run away than attack you. The â€˜stickyâ€™ feeling that one gets when the gecko falls upon them is merely a physical feature of the gecko in that their toes have suction pads which allow them to climb so well â€“ contrary to popular belief, you will NOT be skinned when the gecko is removed from you. The banded iguana is the principal animal totem of the tribe Nanuyamalo, who live on the Wainimala River. This status as the animal totem of this tribe meant, that in the past, the members of the tribe Nanuyamalo did not eat or kill the animal. It was believed that killing oneâ€™s principal totem animal or plant would bring bad luck on the whole tribe. This practice of totemism helped preserve many plants and animals in the past. It is not known if such respect is still given to animal and plant totems in Fiji today, for as early as the early 1900s, younger generations were already losing their fear and respect of their animal and plant totems. Totemism is still practiced today, but is probably not as strict as it once was.

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