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Evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 55(6)

Diet and habitat preferences of the Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) on Yadua Taba, Fiji: implications for conservation

Clare Morrison A E , Tamara Osborne B , Peter S. Harlow C , Nunia Thomas A , Pita Biciloa D and Jone Niukula D
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- Author Affiliations

A Institute of Applied Sciences, University of the South Pacific, Private Mailbag, Suva, Fiji.

B Biology Division, University of the South Pacific, Private Mailbag, Suva, Fiji.

C c/o Herpetofauna Division, Taronga Zoo, PO Box 20, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia.

D National Trust of Fiji, 4 Ma’afu Street, Suva, Fiji.

E Corresponding author. Email: Morrison_c@usp.ac.fj

Australian Journal of Zoology 55(6) 341-350 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO07062
Submitted: 28 November 2007  Accepted: 1 April 2008   Published: 16 May 2008

Abstract

The Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is restricted to tropical dry forest habitat and has been extirpated from over 80% of its original range primarily because of habitat destruction. A large population on Yadua Taba island has been proposed as a source for iguana translocations. This study aimed to determine the dietary and habitat requirements of the herbivorous B. vitiensis on Yadua Taba to identify essential tree species. Between September 2005 and June 2006 we examined the diet of B. vitiensis using faecal analyses, while perch preferences were examined using field surveys. Faecal analyses identified 26 plant species in the diet of B. vitiensis, while field surveys recorded iguanas in 33 tree species. The most common diet species largely overlapped with the most common perch species. There were no major seasonal shifts, sex differences, or age-class variations in diet or perch preferences. These results suggest that while B. vitiensis occurs in and consumes several plant species on Yadua Taba, it is primarily dependent on only a few species. To improve translocation success, future translocations of B. vitiensis need to ensure that these important tree species are present at new sites.


Acknowledgments

Timaleti Vavuke, Eroni Matatia, Isaac Rounds, Alma Nacuva, Eleazar O’Connor, Taina Waqatabilai, William Thomas, Pita Qarau, William Waqavakatoga, Kalisi Fa’anunu, Suzie Morrison and Zac Pierce provided valuable help in the field. Isaac Rounds and Gunnar Keppel provided identifications of plant specimens. Luke Shoo, Suzie Morrison and Nick Clemann provided valuable comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript. We also thank the National Trust of Fiji for permission to work on Yadua Taba and the villagers of Denimanu for their generous hospitality. This project was funded by an Australia and Pacific Scientific Foundation (ASPF) grant to the senior author.


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