Download 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