The Fijian Crested Iguana is critically endangered, threatened by habitat loss, fires and storms, agricultural development and competition from feral goats.

Health Checks of Fijian Crested Iguanas in the Wild

To protect the species as a whole, two populations must be moved to more protected islands in the Fijian archipelago. Before this occurs, Dr Robert Johnson will perform an assessment to ensure that no disease is introduced to the new islands and that the iguanas in turn will not be exposed to new diseases.

Taronga’s Herpetofauna Manager and international expert on Fijian Crested Iguanas, Dr Peter Harlow, has been involved in the management of these lizards for over a decade. Working with land owners, The National Trust for Fiji and local NGO Nature Fiji, Dr Harlow negotiated the translocation plan to increase the security of the species.