A true hidden treasure of Fiji’s lush rainforests, a bright green marvel perched high among the treetops. Picture a lizard roughly the length of a long ruler, with a sturdy, muscular body built for climbing and leaping between branches. Despite blending in so perfectly with its emerald surroundings, the Lau banded iguana stands out thanks to its bold markings. As the name suggests, this reptile displays distinct horizontal stripes running along its body. These stripes are most often clean white, but they sometimes feature shades of blue, giving each individual a look all its own. It’s like discovering a rare jewel when you finally spot one basking in a patch of sunlight.

One of the most eye-catching differences lies in how males and females wear their stripes. The males have more dramatic bands that emphasize their strong frames, while females often sport fainter stripes or even pretty little spots in place of bands. In both sexes, you’ll notice a row of small, pointed scales running from the back of the head down to the tail. Although these spines aren’t very large, they lend the iguana a slightly prehistoric look, reminding us that these creatures come from an ancient lineage.

Life in the rainforest canopy brings its own set of challenges, and the Lau banded iguana is perfectly adapted to handle them. Equipped with sharp claws and a strong grip, it can easily scale tree trunks and slip between leafy branches. It mostly feeds on plant material, like tender leaves and flowers, but it won’t turn down the chance to nab a juicy insect if it comes too close.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Fiji

2012

Tonga

2012

Introduced