Six Senses Fiji supports relocation of endangered iguanas to neighbouring island

International

Conservation project aims to establish a second population of the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana

Six Senses Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji have reached an important conservation milestone with the successful relocation of the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) from Malolo Island to neighbouring Qalito Island. The initiative was carried out in cooperation with the Mamanuca Environment Society, the Fiji Ministry of Environment, reptile specialist Dr. Peter Harlow and the traditional landowners of Qalito.

The project aims to strengthen the long-term survival of one of the world’s rarest reptiles by establishing a new population in an area where the species once lived.

A second habitat for a highly endangered species

The Fijian crested iguana is considered one of the most endangered lizard species worldwide. Although Qalito Island historically supported a population, no confirmed sightings have been recorded there since the early 1980s. Because the island still preserves one of Fiji’s best remaining native dry forests, conservationists see it as a suitable habitat for reintroducing the species.

Dr. Peter Harlow, who led the relocation effort, said the island could play a key role in safeguarding the iguana’s future.

On Malolo Island, Six Senses Fiji protects an important population of the species within a preserved area of native dry forest on the resort’s grounds. Since 2022, the population has grown by 65 percent. The growth has been supported by the planting of more than 800 native trees across half a hectare of protected forest, with an additional 1.5 hectares of reforestation planned for next year.

At the same time, Castaway Island, Fiji has worked to prepare Qalito Island for the return of the species through long-term predator control measures.

Translocation as a conservation strategy

Wildlife translocation is widely used in conservation to create new, genetically diverse populations of endangered species. For island species in particular, establishing additional populations reduces the risk of extinction caused by disease, natural disasters or habitat loss.

Twelve healthy adult iguanas from the protected forest at Six Senses Fiji were selected for the first relocation phase. In the coming months, Fijian conservation student Manasa Vula will monitor the animals using radio-tracking technology as they adapt to their new habitat.

Steven Andrews, General Manager of Castaway Island, Fiji, emphasized the environmental importance of the project. “At Castaway, environmental stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. This project is a testament to our ongoing commitment to conservation and the preservation of Fiji’s natural beauty for future generations.”

Mark Kitchen, General Manager of Six Senses Fiji, added: “We are incredibly proud to see our conservation work contributing to the recovery of this species. Our forest is thriving and so are the iguanas, which means we now have the responsibility to support their future beyond our island.”

Further steps planned

If the initial relocation proves successful, additional iguanas will be transferred to Qalito Island to strengthen genetic diversity and ensure a stable long-term population. Conservationists hope that the island could eventually support a thriving population that may help repopulate other restored habitats in Fiji.

The initiative reflects the resorts’ broader commitment to regenerative tourism, combining environmental protection, ecosystem restoration and support for local conservation efforts.