Scientific Name: Brachylophys vitiensis
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Length (nose to tail): 75 cm
Weight: 300 g
Incubation: 8–9 months
Number of eggs: 4
Distribution: Fiji
Habitat: Beach forest
Description: The Fijian Crested Iguana is a large, stocky lizard with a green body and three white bands across its back. This iguana has crest spines along its back which can be up to 1.2 cm long. When a Fijian Crested Iguana is aroused or disturbed, it rapidly changes colour from green to jet black. The reversal process takes much longer.
Diet: Fijian Crested Iguanas are herbivores and feed on trees and shrubs, particularly hibiscus flowers of the Vau tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus).
In the wild: A female Crested Iguana will lay her eggs in March/April and have one of the longest incubation periods of any reptile. Females fearlessly guard their nest of usually four eggs. Hatching occurs in the rainy season and can take a number of hours.
Threats: Local people are afraid of these iguanas and have little tolerance for them. They are also threatened by habitat destruction from goats. Mongoose also eat iguana eggs and hatchlings.
At Perth Zoo: You can see Fijian Crested Iguanas in the Reptile Encounter.
Did you know? When Crested Iguanas meet they head-bob. This can mean different things. Between two males, it means a challenge. Between a male and a female, it is part of their courtship. At this time, the iguanas will also change colour.
For information on the conservation of this species, visit the International Conservation Fund for the Fijian Crested Iguana at www.icffci.com.
Download the Fijian Crested Iguana Fact Sheet (pdf).
