An experienced iguana biologist commences 3 months of iguana research on Qamea. Nukubati Resort helps out.
Rick van Veen has taken time off from his Jamaica Iguana doctoral thesis to assist with preparatory research for the American Iguana Eradication campaign on Qamea Island.
In particular, he will be placing transmitters on captured iguanas and then working on their breeding biology and confirming breeding locations.
If we understand where and when they are breeding, that will be the time and place to best concentrate on control work.

Rick will also follow up on reports of iguanas from other islands – Taveuni, Vanua Levu and Koro and will be teaching community assistants on how to find iguanas in the field – an extremely difficult task, and to identify iguana breeding sites.

Waisale Mataitoga recently completed American iguana awareness meetings and discussions with six communities in Tunuloa on Vanua Levu’s Natewa Peninsula. Communities were very keen to learn about the American iguana and what threat it might pose.
Meanwhile, Nukubati Resort, a Corporate Member of NFMV has come to our assistance and lent us a kayak which Rick Will use to travel around Qamea and over to Matagi. Thank you Nukubati !!