Brachylophus

Fiji Iguanas

The genus Brachylophus consists of four extant iguanid species native to the islands of Fiji and a giant extinct species from Tonga in the South West Pacific. One of the extant species, B. fasciatus, is also present on Tonga, where it has apparently been introduced by humans.

An iguana on Macuata Island with chew marks on the crest from rats. Removal of rats from Macuata Island is a priority and the Ranger will be heavily involved in this project.
Hatchling Fijian Crested Iguana on Malolo Island. Photo by Robert Fisher.

Brachylophus

The name, Brachylophus, is derived from two Greek words: brachys (βραχύς) meaning "short" and lophos (λόφος) meaning "crest" or "plume", denoting the short spiny crests found along the backs of these species.

The Central Fiji Banded Iguana is one of a handful of endangered iguana species found on several islands in the Fiji archipelago.

The Lau Banded Iguana is an Endangered species found on several landmasses in the Lau Island Group in Fiji. 

The total population of Fiji Crested Iguana is around 13,000, with 12,000 of those individuals on the tiny 70 hectare island of Yadua Taba.