Castaway Island, Fiji has celebrated a significant milestone in the conservation of the Fijian Crested Iguana with the successful translocation of these critically endangered reptiles to Qalito Island. The official release took place on December 2, 2025, and marks the start of a dedicated effort to restore and protect this rare species in the Mamanuca Islands.
The initiative comes after more than two years of collaboration among reptile expert Dr. Peter Harlow, the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES), local landowners from Qalito and Malolo, as well as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Environment Officer Sheemal Nand represented the Ministry at the release event.
In the first phase of this initiative, 12 adult iguanas were relocated from Malolo Island and released into the pristine native dry forest of Qalito, an area recognized as one of Fiji’s best-preserved habitats. Fijian student Manasa Vula is monitoring the iguanas using radio-tracking technology, with support from the Auckland Zoo’s Wild Heroes team, which has documented this pivotal conservation effort.
This successful translocation represents the first stage in a more extensive plan, with further translocations expected in the coming years, aiming to establish a genetically diverse and self-sustaining population of Fijian Crested Iguanas. Qalito Island, boasting over 50 hectares of predator-free dry forest, has the potential to support more than 5,000 iguanas.
Castaway Island has emphasized the significance of this initiative, describing it as “a proud and meaningful step toward securing the future of the Fijian Crested Iguana.” This conservation effort serves as a powerful illustration of the positive impact that can be achieved when communities, conservationists, and tourism partners unite for a common cause. The translocation not only represents hope for the critically endangered species but also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving biodiversity.
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