With its vibrant green skin, striking white bands, and elegant crest running down its back, it looks like something out of a fantasy story. This rare reptile is a close relative of the green iguana of Central and South America, but it’s far more isolated—living thousands of miles away in the South Pacific. Scientists believe its ancestors rafted across the ocean millions of years ago, making it one of the most fascinating examples of island evolution.

Physically, the Fiji crested iguana is stunning. Its body is a vivid emerald green, sometimes with bluish or yellow tones, and marked with three broad white or pale stripes across its body and tail. The “crest” that gives it its name consists of a line of tall, spiny scales running from the top of its head down the back and tail, giving it a regal, dragon-like appearance. Like many iguanas, they are excellent climbers, using their long toes and sharp claws to grip branches as they move through the forest canopy. Their color can also change slightly depending on temperature, mood, or light—turning darker when they’re stressed or cold, and brighter when they’re relaxed and warm.

The Fiji crested iguana lives primarily in dry tropical forests on a few small islands, including Yadua Taba, where most of the remaining wild population is found. It spends almost all of its time in trees, feeding on leaves, flowers, fruit, and occasionally insects. Despite its calm and regal appearance, it can be surprisingly defensive when threatened—flaring its dewlap (the flap of skin under its throat), bobbing its head, and even turning darker green to appear more intimidating.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Fiji

12,000-14,000

Official estimate

CR

2012