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The Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) is an arboreal (Tree dwelling) lizard found mainly on the south-eastern islands of Fiji. There are also a few other isolated populations that were probably introduced by man, Vanuatu being the most famous. It is one of the few species of iguanas found outside of the New World (North and South America and surrounding islands) and one of the most isolated members of the family Iguanidae. Wild populations of these incredible lizards are decreasing at a rapid rate, mainly due to habitat destruction. Animals that have been introduced to these islands by man, such as goats, cats, mongoose and rats, have also had a devastating effect on both the lizards and their eggs. Deforestation, capture for the pet trade, and being hunted for food, have also played a role. There are believed to be fewer than 10 000 animals left in the wild.

It is not certain how these iguanas ended up so far away from their cousins in the New World. Some speculate that they evolved from now extinct old world iguanas, but no fossil evidence supports this. It is more likely that they were carried to remote islands on rafts of vegetation during storms or floods.

Size

They are considerably smaller than the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

Fiji’s usually only reach around 60-75cm (snout to tip of tail). This may partially explain the demand for them in the pet trade, as they are much easier to accommodate than larger iguanas. Their attractive colouration and often sweet natures make them irresistible.

Life Span

Average lifespan of 10-15 years

Caging

Fiji Banded Iguanas can be housed in various enclosures. Their housing requirements are very similar to the normal Green Iguanas, but obviously smaller for adult animals. I bred a pair in a wooden enclosure that measured 2.4m by 1m.

Heating & Lighting

Day-time temperatures would typically range from around 28-35°C and never lower than 15°C at night. Temperatures in Fiji seldom reach above 35°C or drop below 15.

Diet

Fiji iguanas are generally vegetarian. A mix of different greens and herbs like endive, kale, dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens, broccoli, bean sprouts, yams, and shredded carrots, is offered daily in a pot. B. fasciatus has a certain preference for fruits as: mango, papaya, kiwi, berries, melons, grapes and any other seasonal fruit. Insects (waxworms, crickets, kingworms and jumpers) are offered one time per week with a tweezers or in a pot. All food items are dusted with a vitamin and mineral supplement (Korvimin) before feeding, Multi muslin is also used as vitamin D3 supplement.

Water & Humidity

Enclosures need good ventilation and a high humidity of around 70-90%. Fresh water needs to be provided daily and enclosures need to be kept clean.

Breeding

These iguanas have successfully been bred in captivity for many years, with the San Diego Zoo apparently having bred over 100 animals since 1965. Adult pairs can be housed together permanently and aggression is rare. As with most lizards, housing more than one male in an enclosure is not advisable.