Isn't this just the most amazing little creature? We saw this little fella at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary during our recent visit.He's a Fijian Banded Iguana and is truly beautiful. He is apparently the most geographically isolated iguana in the world. They are believed to have evolved from green iguanas that rafted on debris across the Pacific Ocean from South America.
Male Fiji banded iguanas are emerald green with broad, light-colored bands. The females are solid green with occasional spotting so I am guessing that this one is definitely male ... which is a good thing as I've been calling it a he!! For some reason I assume all lizards are males...
Due to habitat destruction and, more significantly, the introduction of mongooses and house cats to the islands, populations of these iguanas have been declining over the past century.
Both species of Fijian iguanas are considered to be endangered and have full protection under both Fiji and international laws so I'm thankful to have been able to see this little guy in the flesh.
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