The Central Fijian banded iguana (Brachylophus bulabula) is a lizard native to some of the larger central and northwestern islands of Fiji. It is one of the few species of iguana found outside of the New World and one of the most geographically isolated members of the family Iguanidae. The Central Fijian Banded Iguana was described in 2008.
Central Fijian banded iguanas can grow up to 61 cm (2 feet) long. Males are typically green with blue stripes and the females are green with white stripes.
These iguanas can be found on the islands of Ovalau, Kadavu, and Viti Levu, where they inhabit the Fijian wet forests. Although they prefer to live in wet forests Fijian banded iguanas can also be found in dry forests and may live in both lowlands and mountainous areas.
Central Fijian banded iguanas are diurnal and spend their days basking, searching for plants or fruits to eat, and patrolling their territory. They like to bask in temperatures ranging from 75-95 °F (24-35 °C). Central Fijian banded iguanas spend most of their time in trees and only sometimes come down to the forest floor; they are also very strong swimmers.
Central Fijian banded iguanas are herbivores (folivores, frugivores). They eat various leaves, fruit, and flowers of trees and shrubs, particularly hibiscus flowers of the Vau tree and fruit such as banana and papaya. Hatchlings may feed on insects.
Central Fijian banded iguanas start to breed at around 3 or 4 years of age. To attract a mate, males often stick out their tongues and flick them repeatedly. They also bob their heads in a rhythmic way to attract mates. After mating, females dig a burrow and lay a clutch of 5-7 eggs; incubation usually lasts for 7-9 months.
The main threats to this species include habitat loss due to forest burning, mining, logging, urban and tourism development, and expansion of agriculture. Central Fijian banded iguanas are also preyed on by feral cats, mongooses, and Black rats. In addition, overgrazing by domestic goats reduces plants that iguanas feed on.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Central Fijian banded iguana total population size. However, there is an estimated population of this species on the Makogai and Makodroga islands which includes approximately 6,000 individuals. Currently, the Central Fijian banded iguana is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing.
