Melbourne Zoo successfully breeds critically endangered ‘Fijian treasure’
Melbourne Zoo is celebrating the birth of seven Fijian Crested Iguanas – a critically endangered reptile dubbed a ‘Fijian national treasure’.
The stunning bright emerald green and white iguanas have all hatched over the past two months, in what is a major success story for the species and the Zoo.
Ectotherms keeper Rory Keenan said the team had trialled new techniques in an attempt to create optimal breeding conditions for the threatened reptile.
"We’ve been trailing a new incubation method to see if we can increase the hatch rate of the species,” Mr Keenan said. “In this process we’re also aiming to improve the fitness and strength of the hatchlings once they do emerge out of the egg.”
Mr Keenan said the results so far had been extremely positive.
“Our hatchlings are doing really well. They’re growing quickly and looking really strong and healthy and are pretty much miniature versions of their parents.”
The Fijian Crested Iguana was formerly abundant on 14 islands throughout Fiji, but populations of the species are now barely detectable on 12 of them. The population has declined dramatically by up to 80 per cent in recent decades as a result of habitat destruction and introduced predators to the region.
“Melbourne Zoo play a role in maintaining a regional population of Fijian Crested Iguanas. These animals act as an ambassador for their species and help educate our visitors on their conservation message.”
Mr Keenan said Melbourne Zoo was home to one of very few reproductive populations in the Australasian region, so had an important part to play in support of the species.
“Melbourne Zoo play a role in maintaining a regional population of Fijian Crested Iguanas. These animals act as an ambassador for their species and help educate our visitors on their conservation message.”
The iguana boom at Melbourne Zoo follows the birth of two additional juvenile Fijian Crested Iguanas last year. The Zoo is currently home to nine adult and nine juvenile Fijian Crested Iguanas that take turns on and off display in the Zoo’s Reptile House.
Animal lovers can learn more about Zoos Victoria’s conservation work with native and international threatened species by visiting zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction. You can also show your support by donating at zoo.org.au/donate.
Visitors to Melbourne Zoo can see the Fijian Crested Iguanas up close from 9am-5pm, seven days a week.