Castaway Island, Fiji has described the successful translocation of the Critically Endangered Fijian Crested Iguana to Qalito Island as a historic moment for conservation in the Mamanuca Islands.
In a statement, the resort said it hosted the official release on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, marking the beginning of a long-term, science-driven effort to restore and protect one of the world’s rarest reptiles.
According to the statement, the achievement follows more than two years of collaboration involving reptile expert Dr Peter Harlow, the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES), traditional landowners from Qalito and Malolo, and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The Ministry was represented at the release by Environment Officer Sheemal Nand.
The first 12 adult iguanas were translocated from Malolo Island and released into Qalito’s pristine native dry forest, described as one of Fiji’s best-preserved habitats of its kind.
Each iguana is now being radio-tracked by Fijian student Manasa Vula, with support from the Auckland Zoo Wild Heroes team, who documented the conservation milestone.
“This is the first step in a larger plan,” the statement said, confirming that further translocations will take place over the coming years to establish a genetically diverse and self-sustaining population.
With more than 50 hectares of predator-free dry forest, Qalito Island is believed to have the capacity to support over 5,000 Fijian Crested Iguanas.
Castaway Island said the initiative represents “a proud and meaningful step toward securing the future of the Fijian Crested Iguana — and a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities, conservationists, and tourism partners work together.”
