Fiji

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especies •

species

However, this iguanid lizard thrives in captivity,

which is why several captivity breeding programs have

been created in conservation centers such as the Fear-No-

More Zoo and Kula Ecopark, plus they are under the pro-

tection of Fiji and international laws. The banded iguana

is elusive in the wild, and researchers have a hard time

studying their interactions and behaviors outside of cap-

tivity; they are excellent at camouflaging and hiding in

plain sight. But they have observed specimens in captiv-

ity and determined some social behavior patterns, like

head-bobbing and color-changing as a means of commu-

nicationunder different circumstances. Anexample is the

changes a male undergoes when it meets other males in

comparisonwith the low contrast between the bands and

the green background while sleeping. Additionally, their

long claws allow themto climb highup the trees, and dur-

ingbreedingseason, females lay four to sixeggs andcover

themwithsoiluntilitisimpossibletotellwheretheywere

buried. The eggswill hatch between 120 and 170 days.

In Fijian culture, the iguana is called “Vokai”, while

some tribes call it “Saumuri” and is totemic to them. People

used to fear these lizards because they are capable of turn-

ing almost completely black when they become aggres-

sive, which has influenced myths where the iguana plays

a villainous role and stories where they jump from trees to

attack villagers. Conservation efforts have changed that

reputation by letting children interact with them, demon-

strating iguanas are mostly harmless and raising aware-

nessof their vulnerability instead. Localshaveparticipated

in the endeavor to restore their habitat, reduce threats like

predators and alert authorities about possible poachers.

Now the species is deeply respected and honored; it is even

featuredonstamps and local currency.

Fiji implemented new

currency symbols 25 years

after its Independence,

replacing Queen Elizabeth II

with plants and animals—

the banded iguana among

them—to promote an

identity of their own and

their environmental pride