Brachylophus fasciatus

Brachylophus fasciatus
Lau banded iguana in captivity
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Iguanidae
Genus: Brachylophus
Species:
B. fasciatus
Binomial name
Brachylophus fasciatus
(Brongniart, 1800)

Brachylophus fasciatus, the Lau banded iguana, is an arboreal species of lizard endemic to the Lau Islands of the eastern part of the Fijian archipelago.[1] It is also found in Tonga, where it was probably introduced by humans.[3] It is one of the few species of iguanas found outside of the New World and one of the most geographically isolated members of the family Iguanidae.[4] Populations of these iguanas have been declining over the past century due to habitat destruction, and more significantly, the introduction of mongoose and house cats to the islands.[4]

The species is diurnal, spending their days foraging, basking and watching over their territories by day and retreating to the treetops at night. Fiji iguanas are considered a national treasure by the government of Fiji, and its likeness has been featured on postage stamps, currency, and phone book covers.

  1. ^ a b Fisher, R.; Grant, T.; Harlow, P. (2012). "Brachylophus fasciatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T19243030A2791124. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T19243030A2791124.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. ^ Keogh, J. Scott; Edwards, Danielle L.; Fisher, Robert N.; Harlow, Peter S. (2008-10-27). "Molecular and morphological analysis of the critically endangered Fijian iguanas reveals cryptic diversity and a complex biogeographic history". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 363 (1508). Royal Society: 3413–3426. doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0120. PMC 2607380. PMID 18782726.
  4. ^ a b Kinkaid, John (1997). "Iguanas of the South Pacific". Reptiles. 5 (8): 54–57.