FIJI-BANDED IGUANA

CHARACTERISTICS: The males have two or three white or blue bands of 2cm width which cross their emerald green skin with a pattern of patches and stripes in the neck area. The females are of solid green colour, with partial patches or bands. They can reach up to 60 centimetres in length and weigh up to 200 grams. The crests of iguanas are very short, reaching a length of 0,5 centimetres. They can change their colour as their skin is light-sensitive.
DIET: They are herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruit and flowers from trees and shrubs, hibiscus flowers in particular from the beach hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and fruits such as the banana and papaya.
REPRODUCTION: The reproduction season takes place during the month of November. The courtship is similar to that of other iguanidae. It has a long period of incubation of 160-170 days. The females look after the nest which will contain three to six eggs, unusual for iguanidae. The young emerge from the eggs in the rainy season and thereby obtain moisture from licking wet leaves.
CURIOSITIES: Two tribes regard the iguana as their totem and as such its name is not allowed to be mentioned in the presence of women or the offender may be beaten with a stick. The greatest threats it faces are loss of habitat due to fires, storms, agricultural development and competition with goats. It is also hunted for food and illegal trading. It can be predated by introduced enemies such as rats, mongoose and cats