FIJI CRESTED IGUANA

The Fiji crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is a vitally scarce species of iguana.

Kingdom -Animalia

Phylum -Chordata

Class -Reptilia

Family -Iguanidae

Genus -Brachylophus

Size Length -75

Weight -300 g

The Fiji crested is related to the Fiji banded iguana and it has been recently found that it is the children of old world iguanid (extinct) which belong to Paleogene family. It is a bulky squat lizard, which was exposed in 1979 by Dr John Gibbons. It is green in color having 3 slim white bands at the back.The rear end of the iguana is broader and blue in color. It is the largest species when compared to their relatives, where the spines are 1.2cm long, the eyes are red in color and the most interesting fact in the iguana as it can able to change the color from green to black.

SPECIALTIES

• It is controlled in dry forest.

• It is in the perth zoo.

• It is a herbivores animal.

• It is having the longest incubation period.

DISTRIBUTION

It was the first known animal from the 14 islands in Fiji. Now it is spread to Yadua Taba, Monuriki, Macuata.Where Yadua contains nearly 98% of iguana that is nearly 6000 animal. This is the only officially sheltered population.

BIOLOGY

The procreation period frequently occurs between March and April where mating occurs on January .iguanas have one of the longest incubation periods of any reptile (over eight months) and females guard the nest, which contains around four eggs, during this time. Hatchlings come out from their eggs in the rainy season and acquire wetness by thrashing soaked plants.