Fiji banded iguana
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Brachylophus bulabula

Brachylophus bulabula (central Fijian banded iguana) is a species of iguanid lizard endemic to some of the larger central and northwestern islands of Fiji (Ovalau, Kadavu and Viti Levu), where it occurs in Fijian wet forest. It was described by a team led by a scientist from the Australian National University in 2008. 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. Initially also reported from Gau Island, in 2017 this population was described as a separate species, B. gau. They can grow up to 2 feet long and have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. However, there have been some captive Fiji banded iguanas that have lived as long as 25 years. Fijian banded iguana typically are found in tropical wet islands that are typically 650-1700 feet above sea level. They also like to bask in temperatures ranging from 75 degrees- 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The areas that are most suitable for Fiji banded iguanas are Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau, Viwa, and Kadavu. Males are typically are green with blue stripes and the females are green with white stripes.

Distribution

Geography

Countries
Introduced Countries
Biogeographical realms
Fiji banded iguana habitat map
Fiji banded iguana habitat map

Habits and Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Fiji iguanas are herbivorous; they feed on the leaves, fruit, and flowers of trees and shrubs, particularly hibiscus flowers of the Vau tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus ) and fruit such as banana and papaya. When certain fruits are not as abundant, Fiji banded iguanas may also forage for leaves and other native plant species. Hatchlings may feed on insects; however, adults usually will not.

Mating Habits

Fiji banded Iguanas reach reproductive maturity around 3 or 4 years old. To attract a mate, male Fiji banded iguanas will often times stick out their tongues and flick them repeatedly. They also will bob their heads in a rhythmic way to attract mates. Females will typically lay a clutch of 5-7 eggs, and those eggs incubate for 7-9 months. One major complication that has impacted the reproductions of Fijian banded iguanas is yolk coelomitis. Yolk coelomitis is a condition in most reptiles that occurs as a result of pre-ovulatory follicular stasis. The yolk and other nutrients of the body are not well absorbed and as a result the yolk never develops a membrane. The yolk keeps growing and breaks eventually. When it breaks, the materials from the yolk cause an infection in the coelomic cavity called Yolk Peritonitis.

Population

Coloring Pages

References

1. Fiji banded iguana Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_banded_iguana
2. Fiji banded iguana on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/174471/1414101

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About