Fijian Crested Iguana sitting on branch with blurred background.

Fijian Crested Iguana

Fijian Crested Iguana

Check out Australia Zoo’s Fijian Crested Iguana!

 

Australia Zoo is thrilled to introduce you to the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana! These spectacular reptiles can be spotted exploring their home in our very own Robert’s Reptile House.

 

Fijian Crested Iguana perched on branch with greenery in the foreground and background.

 

The crested iguana is endemic to Fiji.  They were originally found throughout 14 Fijian islands, but, today are restricted to just three! Alarmingly, 98% of all remaining individuals (less than 6,000) are living on just one island.

 

These gorgeous reptiles prefer to live amongst dry forests and in coastal areas and will spend the majority of their time in the trees, rarely coming down to the ground. They perfectly camouflage amongst the trees with their vibrant, emerald green and black-outlined, white stripes. Crikey, they are beautiful! Crested iguanas are herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, flowers and shoots.

 

A young Terri and Steve Irwin with Fijian Crested Iguana sitting on their heads.

 

Steve and Terri dedicated much of their time researching these critically endangered reptiles. They carried out surveys on several Fijian islands and discovered previously unknown populations of the Fijian crested iguana! To safeguard the tiny, remaining wild population, zoos across Australia and New Zealand work together to ensure an ongoing breeding population.  Australia Zoo is equipped with state-of-the-art breeding facilities to assist with this insurance population. If called upon, we will be ready to assist with a re-introduction into the wild. Woo-hoo!

 

Profile view of Fijian Crested Iguana sitting on branch surrounded by greenery.

 

The most immediate threat to Fijian crested iguanas is the introduction and suffer from feral cats and goats. Bush fires and habitat loss are also a contributing factor to their current critically endangered status.

  • Class of animal icon
    Class

    Reptilia

  • Genus of animal icon
    Genus

    Brachylophus

  • Species of animal icon
    Species

    vitiensis

  • height of animal icon
    Size

    25 centimetres SVL (Snout to Vent)

  • weight of animal icon
    Weight

    Up to 550 grams

  • diet of animal icon
    Diet

    Omnivores

  • gestation of animal icon
    Incubation

    9 months

  • threatened species status of animal icon
    Status

    Critically endangered