Lau banded iguana

Brachylophus fasciatus

Irish Name: Ioguána bandach Lau
IUCN Status: Endangered

The Lau banded iguana is a lizard that spends most of its time in trees (arboreal species), searching for food. Males are usually bright or dark green, with white stripes on their body. Females are a solid green colour, with no stripes. They both have yellow/green chests and bellies, and red/orange eyes.

Lau banded iguana

Brachylophus fasciatus

Irish Name: Ioguána bandach Lau
IUCN Status: Endangered

The Lau banded iguana is a lizard that spends most of its time in trees (arboreal species), searching for food. Males are usually bright or dark green, with white stripes on their body. Females are a solid green colour, with no stripes. They both have yellow/green chests and bellies, and red/orange eyes.

General Information

Where do they live (Natural habitat)?

They are native to the Lau Island group of Fiji.

How long do they live?

Approximately 20 years in zoos. Unknown in the wild.

What do they eat?

They are omnivores, primarily feeding on insects, vegetables and fruits.

Group name

There is currently no name used to describe a group of Lau banded iguanas; however, a group of iguanas is referred to as a ‘mess’.

Zoo location

Zoorassic World

Closest related species / sister species

Fiji, Central and Gau iguana.

Animal class

Reptilia

Animal order

Squamata

Fun Facts

National Treasure

The Lau banded iguana is considered a national treasure by the government of Fiji and its image has appeared on postage stamps and currency.

Mating behaviour

Before mating, male iguanas will often head bob and flick their tongue to get the females’ attention.

Isolation

The Lau banded iguana is one of the few iguanas found outside of the New World and one of the most geographically isolated members of the Iguana family.

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Family Life

Lau banded iguanas are generally solitary (live alone), but males can live close to females. Males are territorial and can be aggressive towards other males that enter their territory.

Baby name

Hatchling

Gestation (pregnancy) period

120-150 days.

Number of young at birth

2-7 eggs

Weight at birth

7-12 g

Age at maturity

16 months

Adult size

60-75 cm

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Conservation

Endangered

The Lau banded iguana is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Current population estimate

There are approximately 8,000-22,000 individuals left in the wild.

Threats

The main threats to Lau banded iguanas are habitat destruction for logging, forest fires and the introduction of non-native species such as cats and rats.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Dublin Zoo raises awareness about this species and how we protect them.

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FAQs

  • Where do Lau banded iguanas live?

    They are native to the Lau Island group of Fiji, and they were also introduced to Vanuatu and reintroduced to Tonga.

  • How long do Lau banded iguanas live?

    Approximately 20 years in zoos. Unknown in the wild.

  • What do Lau banded iguanas eat?

    They are omnivores, mainly feeding on insects, vegetables and fruits.

  • Why are Lau banded iguanas endangered?

    The Lau banded iguana population has fallen due to habitat destruction for logging, forest fires and the introduction of non-native species such as cats and rats.

  • How many Lau banded iguanas are left in the world?

    There are approximately 8,000-22,000 individuals left in the wild.

  • What is a group of Lau banded iguanas called?

    There is currently no name used to describe a group of Lau banded iguanas; however, a group of iguanas of no specific species is referred to as a ‘mess’.

  • How big are Lau banded iguanas?

    60-75cm.

  • What is a baby Lau banded iguana called?

    A hatchling.

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