Rescued critically endangered Fijian iguanas welcomed at San Diego Zoo
Wildlife smuggling is a real problem threatening Fiji’s endangered iguana populations that are already facing pressures from expanding human activities and invasive alien species.
The San Diego Zoo has announced it is the new home of eight critically endangered Fijian iguanas rescued from a massive illegal wildlife trafficking operation in Spain.
Before arriving in San Diego, the iguanas were in the care of the Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity near Madrid. Their move to San Diego was authorised by Fiji’s Department of Environment and the National Trust of Fiji.
As reported in The Coast News, the iguanas were among more than 600 reptiles seized in 2017. Over the last eight years, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has been in contact with the governments of Fiji and Spain to bring the lizards to the San Diego Zoo. Here, geneticists will study them to determine if they can aid in the conservation of the species.
Brett Baldwin, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo noted “Confiscations of trafficked wildlife happen a lot more frequently than people realize, and reptiles are especially susceptible due to their high demand in the illegal pet trade Whether it’s within our borders or across the world, we’re ready to answer the call for help. We have assisted with over 20 reptile confiscations and seizures in the last 28 years.”
National Trust of Fiji Council Chairman Setoki Tuiteci advised “wildlife smuggling is a real problem that threatens Fiji’s endangered iguana populations that are already facing pressures from expanding human activities and invasive alien species.
“Therefore, we appreciate the actions of security authorities and organisations like San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and United States Geological Survey that support our conservation efforts toward these surviving island populations.”
The Fiji crested iguana is native to some of the island nation’s northwestern islands, where it inhabits tropical, dry forests. It is a large lizard, growing up to 76 cm in length, and is known for its three narrow, cream to white coloured bands on males.
Image top. The Fiji crested iguana; Image below: Scientists will study each Fijian iguana to determine its genetic makeup. Photos by Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
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