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SundayThe Magazine American Iguana Nest Holes Adult American iguana Juvenile American iguana Adult Fiji Banded iguanas BEWARE OF THE AMERICAN IGUANAS Source: BIOSECURITY AUTHORITY FIJI of American iguanas would devastate the en- period is a crucial time for iguana eradication Authority of Fiji (MSAF) would also see the vironment around the villages and cause eco- and as such the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji maritime offi cers helping BAF in monitoring he American Iguana (Iguana nomic hardship. (BAF) is stepping up its eradication efforts the movement of American iguana and other iguana) is a declared pest in Fiji. They could also affect Fiji’s biodiversity during this period. domestic pests in the outer islands of Fiji. It is thought to have been brought having a serious impact on endemic plants and A team from the NatureFiji-MereqetiViti illegally into the country and re- bird eggs and nestlings. American iguanas also and BAF were in Taveuni this week to conduct How does American Iguana look like leased on Qamea Island. Now pose a threat to the endemic Fijian banded and training on surveillance and monitoring of nest- The American iguana generally grows almostT 10 years later, it has spread to Laucala crested iguanas through a possible transmis- ing areas with village heads in Taveuni. The from 1.5m to 2m from head to tail and usu- and Matagi Island as well. These three islands sion of iguana specifi c diseases, parasites and villages have been trained on basic observa- ally weighs from 4 to 9 kilograms. They are being in close proximity of Taveuni, Rabi and pathogens from the American iguanas to the tion skills, differentiating on American Iguana green but may also appear bluish with black Vanua Levu, there is a strong possibility of the endemic Fijian iguanas. and endemic iguanas, handling and euthanasia markings. Adult American iguanas have long American iguana incursion into Taveuni, Rabi and learning to fi ll monitoring data sheets. The dangerous spines along their head, neck, back and Vanua Levu as well. American Iguana mating villages are to assist BAF in surveillance and and tail and long sharp claws, which they use and breeding season monitoring during the nesting season and also in defense. Why American iguanas The months from May to October are the in the eradication process. They also have long fl aps of saggy skin are a threat in Fiji mating and breeding period of the American BAF is appealing to the public to be on the hanging from their chins to the base of their In absence of natural predators and com- Iguanas in Fiji. During mating and breeding lookout for the American iguanas over the next necks, which is called a dewlap. On both sides petitors, the American iguana population could period, American iguanas become most visible six months during its mating and breeding sea- of their cheeks they have a large scale un- increase rapidly in a very short period of time. and vulnerable. son. The message also extends to seafarers and derneath their tympanums (a slightly sunken These iguanas pose an immediate threat to This is because the female American igua- boat operators who service the northern divi- leathery covering of their eardrums). This food security in villages and islands where they nas migrate from their island forest habitat to sion to monitor their vessels and ensure that large scale is a key identifi cation feature for the are present as they eat plants such as dalo and coastal areas to lay their eggs in sandy and well there are no American iguanas on board either American iguanas. The large scale and dewlap cassava leaves, bele, tomatoes, pawpaws and drained soil. They could look for sandy areas accidentally or deliberately. Boat operators and are also ways to differentiate between Ameri- cabbage, beans and yam vines. with some trees or around a fallen tree or the seafarers play a very important role in contain- can and endemic Fijian iguanas. If American iguanas are left unchecked, root of a large tree. Some may also be seen ment of the American iguana and the preven- l Help stop this pest from spreading. Con- food sustainability in Fijian villages will be swimming in search for nesting site. tion of its spread to other parts of Fiji. The tact BAF on 3312512 or info@biosecurityfi ji. at great risk in the near future. Large numbers The American Iguana breeding and mating MOU between BAF and the Maritime Safety com. www.fi jisun.com.fj FIJI SUN - SUNDAY - APRIL 14, 2013 - 01.