Activity and ‘My Fiji’
Fiji banded iguana
THE Fiji banded iguana is native to Fiji.
It was introduced to Tonga about 300 years ago and a more recent introduction to Vanuatu, in the ‘60s. These iguanas are found in parts of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Ovalau, Gau, Koro, Viwa Island (Tailevu) and Makogai. This iguana is slender and small with a smooth appearance.
They have a single row of small scales, resembling short sharp teeth running from their nape to the base of their tail. Males have a band on their body while females do not, and are a uniform green colouring. They live in coastal lowland forests, and are often associated with the ivi tree (Tahitian Chestnut, Inocarpus fagifer). They can also be found on other introduced trees such mango (Magnifera indica). They are omnivorous and feed on plant leaves and the occasional smaller lizards and insects.
■ Source: naturefiji.org
Fiji crested iguana
THE Fiji crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis ) is a critically endangered species of iguana native to some of the northwestern islands of the Fijiian archipelago.
There are about 10,000 crested iguanas in the world of which more than 90 per cent live on Yadua Taba Island here in Fiji. The remaining estimate of less than 1000 individuals are scattered among 10 other islands off the western coast of the Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. They eat leaves, buds, flowers and fruit from forest plants. They live in trees and favour coastal forests and tropical dry forests and are found on Yaduataba (west of Vanua Levu), Yadua, Macuata, Yaquaga, Devuilau (Goat Island), Malolo, Monu and Monuriki. Better known to locals as vokai, although some villages also know it as saumuri. Some regard the iguana as their totem and as such its name is not allowed to be mentioned in the presence of women or the offender may be beaten with a stick. Others, however, are terrified of the crested iguana because of its behavior when threatened.
■ Source: www.animalia.bio
Fiji tree frog
THE Fiji tree frog is endemic to Fiji. Found in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu these small frogs have bigger finger discs than their toes. The females are slightly bigger the males, 47-60mm with males 32-45 mm. They have relatively smooth and most skin ranging in colour from light creamy grey to brilliant yellow, tans and oranges. They have relatively longer hind legs and can leap more than 1m in distance. They are terrestrial breeders, and undergo direct development, that is, tiny froglets or miniature frogs, rather than tadpoles. They lay their eggs in leaf axils, particularly of Pandanus trees from November to April. These nocturnal animals search for mates and forage for food (insects) at night. They are often found on these plants close to a river system. These frogs are one of the few species in the world where both females and males have call sounds much like a dripping tap, and is quite difficult to hear near a loud, fast flowing stream.
Fiji parrotfinch
THE Fiji parrotfinch (Erythrura pealii ) is a species of estrildid finch endemic to Fiji that was originally thought to be a subspecies of the red-headed parrotfinch.
This parrotfinch is a small, mainly green bird with a red head and tail. It is found in both forested and open habitats, and has adapted well to man-made environments such as grasslands, pasture and gardens.
Pairs have a courtship display in which they fly above the trees in an undulating flight, calling constantly. Breeding birds build a domed grass nest with a side entrance, and lay a clutch normally of four white eggs. The Fiji parrotfinch eats seeds, especially of grasses, and also readily feeds on insects and nectar. It forms small flocks of up to six birds after the breeding season.
■ Source: www.animalia.bio