FIJI ISLAND BANDED IGUANA
FIJI ISLAND BANDED IGUANA Scientific Name: Brachylophus fasciatus Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Physical Adaptations: Males have pale, bluish-green bands covering their green bodies. Females are usually entirely green The banded iguana’s skin color changes in response to light, temperature, and its mood Tail has alternate bands of white and green Eyes are reddish-orange. Short spiny crest on back Snout to tail length 24 inches and weight about .44 pounds
Primary Diet: Behavioral Adaptations: This species is arboreal, spending their days foraging, basking and then retreating to the treetops at night Male iguanas are highly visual, and aggressively defend their territories from rival males When threatened, the banded iguana turns black, opens its mouth and lunges at attackers
Habitat/Biome: tropical forests, lowlands, and swamps of the Fiji islands
Distribution: Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu (introduced)
Status: IUCN pop. trend: not listed Special Notes: IUCN Category: Endangered CITES Listing: Appendix I Threats Include: Habitat loss due to agriculture development, predators such as mongoose and cats, and hunted as food source
Wild: leaves, flowers of trees and shrubs, particularly, hibiscus flowers, and banana and papaya fruit HERBIVORE
Fun Facts: Also known as Fiji Banded Iguana; South Pacific Banded Iguana (CITES) This species was first described by French zoologist Alexandre Brongniart in 1800 The specific name, fasciatus, is a Latin word meaning “banded”
Additional Notes: Incubation: 7-9 months Clutch: 3-6 eggs Life Span: About 20 years in captivity
Information Sources: (2011) www.belfastzoo.co.uk www.iguana101,com www.arkive.org
Primary Diet: Behavioral Adaptations: This species is arboreal, spending their days foraging, basking and then retreating to the treetops at night Male iguanas are highly visual, and aggressively defend their territories from rival males When threatened, the banded iguana turns black, opens its mouth and lunges at attackers
Habitat/Biome: tropical forests, lowlands, and swamps of the Fiji islands
Distribution: Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu (introduced)
Status: IUCN pop. trend: not listed Special Notes: IUCN Category: Endangered CITES Listing: Appendix I Threats Include: Habitat loss due to agriculture development, predators such as mongoose and cats, and hunted as food source
Wild: leaves, flowers of trees and shrubs, particularly, hibiscus flowers, and banana and papaya fruit HERBIVORE
Fun Facts: Also known as Fiji Banded Iguana; South Pacific Banded Iguana (CITES) This species was first described by French zoologist Alexandre Brongniart in 1800 The specific name, fasciatus, is a Latin word meaning “banded”
Additional Notes: Incubation: 7-9 months Clutch: 3-6 eggs Life Span: About 20 years in captivity
Information Sources: (2011) www.belfastzoo.co.uk www.iguana101,com www.arkive.org
