The island of Monuriki in Fiji has seen the return of thirty-two young Fijian crested iguanas Brachylophus vitiensis, captive-bred at Kula Eco Park and ranging from one to three years in age.
The hatchlings have been kept until they are of a size to withstand predators and it is the first time this species has been bred in captivity and then introduced into the wild. All the released iguanas have microchips so the Australian, US and Fijian scientists can monitor their growth and health.
The island has been cleared of invasive rats and goats and already there are other benefits appearing - native dry forest is regrowing, birds such as the banded rail are being recorded on the island for the first time and there are breeding colonies of seabirds such as wedge-tailed shearwaters again.
As well as Kula Eco Park, the project has also been supported by Taronga Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo and Durrell Conservation Academy, among other conservation organisations.
Details on the project on the link below:
Fijian Crested Iguana Reintroduction
The hatchlings have been kept until they are of a size to withstand predators and it is the first time this species has been bred in captivity and then introduced into the wild. All the released iguanas have microchips so the Australian, US and Fijian scientists can monitor their growth and health.
The island has been cleared of invasive rats and goats and already there are other benefits appearing - native dry forest is regrowing, birds such as the banded rail are being recorded on the island for the first time and there are breeding colonies of seabirds such as wedge-tailed shearwaters again.
As well as Kula Eco Park, the project has also been supported by Taronga Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo and Durrell Conservation Academy, among other conservation organisations.
Details on the project on the link below:
Fijian Crested Iguana Reintroduction