Containment program for the GII
MUCH has been said about the giant invasive Iguana (GII) or green iguana, commonly known in Fiji as the “American Iguana”. The large, tree-dwelling (arboreal) species of lizard is native to the Central-South American and Caribbean regions and an invasive species in Fiji.
GII was discovered in Qamea in 2000 and have since become established island-wide on Qamea and Matagi. They have been found in isolated incidents on Taveuni at four widely-separated localities, but it is not yet known if one or more populations are established if any.
The species has become widespread throughout the Caribbean, having high population densities in many of these areas (i.e. population of hundreds of thousands or even in millions), and is credited with a range of negative impacts, including decline of native lizards, defoliation of trees and shrubs (both native and ornamental), undermining of roads and levees through burrowing activities, power outages, and interference with flight operations at airports.
Typically, GII populations have been ignored for 30–40 years before damage becomes noticeable enough for humans to become concerned – and at which point eradication is impossible.
In this week’s article we take a look at the work Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) is undertaking to contain the spread of this species to other islands.
BAF is taking strategic steps to control and contain GII in Qamea, Matagi, Taveuni and Laucala Islands. These parts of Fiji are rich with endemic flora and fauna, and the establishment of GII in these areas is a cause of concern.
The GII live in forested areas, and appear to select trees near water into which they can escape when threatened. In xeric habitats they may be more terrestrial and favour areas where burrows, the sea or rock crevices offer a means of escape. Xeric habitats include desert, semi-desert and steppe as well as small offshore islands.
GII is also found in mangroves, beaches and they also use urban habitats where, in the absence of trees, they use culverts, drainage pipes and piles of debris for shelter.
They are known to show a preference for disturbed sites near standing water. They are often found associated with waterways, such as bays, canals, ponds and ditches. Cliffs are often used when present.
Hence, considering the pathways and movements of the species, BAF is heavily engaged in sighting of the GII and eradicating the pest. BAF is also working in collaboration with UNDP through a Global Environment Fund (GEF) project to ensure Fiji's biodiversity is protected from the very harmful effects of the GII.
Presently, BAF has more than 20 Temporary Biosecurity Officers and 4 Field Coordinators on the island of Qamea who are involved in the GII eradication program.
However, BAF requires the assistance and support from the members of the public as well.
BAF proposes a smart partnership with Fijians especially communities in the affected areas to cooperate and help stop the spread of GII and eradicate the pest by:
■ 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 attempting to breed the iguana
■ Not releasing any captured GII into forests or grasslands
Here we take a brief look at the extent of negative impacts which the GII has had in Cayman Islands and what this means for Fiji.
■ The Cayman Islands are an autonomous British Overseas Territory in the Western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises of three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman covering an area of 264 square kilometer with a population of 64,420.
■ The damages experienced by developers, homeowners and government agencies due to GII infrastructure damage in the Cayman Islands, Florida and Puerto Rico has cost implications beyond monetary value. If populations increase and colonies spread the burrowing activity of GII will not ease and cause weakening in infrastructure which is funded by Government including donors assisting in infrastructure development.
■ The Cayman Islands are approximately half the size of Taveuni which has a total land area of 434 square kilometers.
■ Taveuni is the hub for Fiji's preserved biodiversity where endemic flora and fauna have made a home.
■ Given the nature of GII to successfully enter, establish and spread in favorable habitats of Fiji, the population of new colonies will increase exponentially in the next 20 to 30 years. Combined with the fact that currently there are no known predators to hunt the GII and that there is an abundance of food sources around the GII. This can surely lead them to multiply into larger numbers to the point it may become difficult to manage.
■ Agricultural crops are at risk. The GII foraging activity will further stress food security for sustainable agriculture and impact livelihoods of primary producers in Fiji. Farmers in Fiji are often faced with challenges from such pests and diseases, changes in weather and climates, natural disasters (floods, strong winds, drought) and quality issues which are recurring. Hence, the incursion of GII into their farms adds to their existing challenges.
■ If the invasive green iguana is allowed to spread from Qamea, Matagi and Laucala Island to Taveuni and other parts of Fiji a similar situation to that of the Cayman Island may occur and affect our way of life for a very long time. This article is a weekly contribution from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and for further information, please contact: Biosecurity Authority of Fiji on 3312512 or Short Codes: General Enquiries - 5994, Termites 5996, Giant Invasive Iguana (GII) - 5995, Animal Disease Surveillance - 5997 or email info@baf.com.fj, visit BAF website www.baf.com.fj