The Fiji crested iguana or Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is a critically endangered species of iguana native to some of the northwestern islands of the Fijiian archipelago, where it is found in dry forest on Yaduataba (west of Vanua Levu), Yadua, Macuata, Yaquaga, Devuilau (Goat island), Malolo, Monu and Monuriki.
Discovery
The discovery of B. vitiensis is partially indebted to The Blue Lagoon. Much of the movie was filmed on a remote island in Fiji and shots of the native wildlife, including a large colorful iguanid, were included. Herpetologist Dr. John Gibbons of the University of the South Pacific had discovered the iguana on a different Fijian island, but it wasn't until his associate had spotted the same iguana among the film's wildlife that its larger range was known. Gibbons described the new species in 1981 with reference to The Blue Lagoon.
Taxonomy and etymology
The generic name, Brachylophus, is derived from two Greek words: brachys (βραχῦς) meaning "short" and lophos (λοφος) meaning "crest" or "plume", denoting the short spiny crests along the back of this species. The specific name, vitiensis, is a Latin toponymic adjective derived from the Fijian word for Fiji.
The species B. vitiensis is closely related to the Lau banded iguana (B. fasciatus) and Fiji banded iguana (B. bulabula). The southwest Pacific iguanas of the genus Brachylophus and the related extinct genus Lapitiguana are thought to be descended from ancestral iguanas that rafted west across the Pacific Ocean from the Americas, where their closest relatives are found.
Habitat
B. vitiensis is found on the islands of Fiji, in the South Pacific. The species is restricted to tropical dry forests, specifically to the rain shadow forests located on certain islands in Fiji. These forests are one of the most threatened vegetation types in the Pacific. A small population of the Fiji crested iguana – fewer than 80 individuals – can be found on the small island of Macuata. The majority of this species – fewer than 4,000 individuals – is most commonly found on the island of Yadua Taba. The island is a National Trust of Fiji reserve, and is thus the only legally protected population of the Fiji crested iguana. The island is now also free of forest burning and the presence of goats, which was a major factor in the initial decline of the species. There are some other Fijian islands where evidence of the species has been recorded: Deviulau, Waya, Monuriki, Monu, Qalito (possibly extinct), Yaquaga, Yadua, Yaduataba and Malolo Levu.
A small protected forestation area was created recently on Malolo Levu for the last few crested iguanas that were found on that island. Juveniles have been reported on the site, indicating some degree of reproduction is ongoing. However, the outlook for this subpopulation is a matter of great concern. According to Steve Anstey of Ahura Resorts there are currently only 15 iguanas left in the forest remnants at Likuliku Lodge and 6 at Malolo Resort. Conservation programs initiated for the Likuliku and Malolo populations include a captive head start facility and reforestation programs led by Likuliku's environmental officer Sia Rasalato. The species probably inhabited land up to 500 meters above sea level in the recent past, but is currently only found at elevations of 100 meters or less.
Description
The Fiji crested iguana is a large stocky lizard distinguished from the Fiji banded iguana by the presence of three narrow, cream to white colored bands on males, rather than the broader bluish bands of the latter species. These whitish bands often have chevrons of black scales close to them. Brachylophus vitiensis is distinguished by its larger size growing to in length and weighing as much as . It is further distinguished by the presence of a taller spiny "crest" on its back with spines as long as running from the nape of the neck to the base of its tail.
When Fiji crested iguanas first hatch from their eggs they are dark green, but after several hours their skin becomes bright emerald green and narrow white bands can be seen along their body. Their eyes are reddish orange or pinkish gold in color.