Fiji Banded Iguanas
 

Last week I was on one of the southernmost islands of the Fiji Group, Kadavu, and one of the local guys brought in a pair of Fiji Banded Iguanas.

They don't see them often (although they may well be everywhere, they are HARD to see), and he knew I'd be interested because I'm the local snake weirdo.... (they will not touch them, I had to get them off the sticks, and they they looked at me as thought I was handling dead babies).

Anyway, after a photo frenzy we released them into the bush, and they were gone by morning. They are an endemic species, therefore not many in the world, so it was a real privilege!

Hope you enjoy.

I'm no expert on lizards, but I presume these were male and female, maybe someone can confirm?

Such cool red eyes!

They are beautiful!! (And you take great pix). How large do they get?

Thanks Lucille, wish I could claim the credit for the pics, but it's my hands in them - however, it is my camera, so I get 50% kudos, right?

They don't get a lot larger than this, I'd say these are young adults, so probably max body 1 foot, tail another.

They seem to be rather laid back and mellow.......

Mellow isn't the word. I've been in places where you can just pick them off the trees and sit them on your head ... presuming you are driven to such a thing. :D

I guess there are few natural predators.

Same with the Fiji boas actually. One of the larger females I have was collected by a 9 year old boy who simply walked into a tree and picked it up... and she's been a totally trustworthy sweetheart from day one.

Man, I would love to get out to Fiji sometime before I die. Sounds like a really interesting place...

Many drop in on the way to Australia - makes a great double trip :thumbsup:

you got the life buddy boy.