Help BAF eradicate GII from Fiji

BAF proposes a smart partnership with the public especially communities in the affected areas to cooperate with BAF and help stop the spread of GII and eradicate the pest by:

All the native iguanas are at risk of extinction and their numbers are rapidly declining. They are threatened by wild goats, feral cats, mongoose, black rats, forest burning and logging, competition for food, illegal smuggling and trade, tourism development and creation of agriculture plantations – presence of GII in Fiji is another addition to this list. Conservation practices to save Fiji’s endangered iguana species are through implementation of conservation action plans, designation of national parks and education programmes/ awareness to local communities on the difference between native (Fiji crested iguana, Fiji banded iguana, Lau banded iguana, Gau banded iguana) and exotic iguana (Giant invasive iguana). All of the native Fiji iguanas are protected against international trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Please do not harm or kill any iguana – inform BAF officers so that they can confirm the species of iguana; only the exotic GII should be killed. The public is also requested not to keep GII as pets. The movement of all stages of GII including eggs, into and out of Qamea, Matagi, Laucala and Taveuni islands is strictly prohibited. BAF currently has a task-force which conducts surveillance, culling of GII and awareness in Qamea, Mataqi, Laucala and Taveuni. BAF requests seafarers and boat operators who service the Northern Division to stringently monitor their vessels and ensure there are no GIIs on board. Boat operators and seafarers play a very important role in the containment of GII and prevention of its spread to other parts of Fiji. • Reporting any sighting of GII to BAF on 3312512 or short codes 5994 and 5995 • Reporting to BAF any illegal movement of GII and/or its eggs • Not consuming GII meat and not attempting to breed the iguana • Not releasing any captured GII into forests or grasslands BAF will continue to endeavour to protect Fiji from further spread of GII and is stepping up its efforts towards various control and containment activities.