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Fiji Banded Iguana


Fiji Banded Iguana
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1369 W: 9 N: 6334] (18906)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2011-01-06
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Canon EOS 1Ds MkII, Canon 70-200 f 2.8 L USM
Exposure: f/3.5, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2012-01-22 3:27
Viewed: 6138
Points: 26
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I took this shot of the Fiji Banded Iguana just over a year ago on a visit to Fiji. This species is rare and difficult to find in the wild when it is present, so I went to the Kula Eco Park, where there is a breeding program to see it.

The Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) is an arboreal species of lizard endemic to some of the southeastern Fijian islands and is found on the islands of Wakaya, Moturiki, Beqa, Vatulele, Ono, Dravuni, Taveuni, Nggamea, Vanua, Balavu, Avea, Vatu Vara, Lakeba, Aiwa, Oneata, Vanua Levu, Totoya, Kabara, and Fulaga. It is one of the few species of iguanas found outside of the New World and one of the most geographically isolated members of the family Iguanidae. Populations of these iguanas have been declining over the past century due to habitat destruction, and more significantly, the introduction of mongoose and house cats to the islands.

The current wild population is less than 10,000 individuals in 29 distinct subpopulations. Fiji banded iguanas inhabit most of the undisturbed habitats on these islands, from high cloud forests to low-lying coastal swamps

The species is sexually dimorphic, males have two or three white or pale-blue bands 2 centimetres (0.79 in) wide crossing their emerald green background with a pattern of spots and stripes on the nuchal region. Females, on the other hand, are solid green with occasional spotting or partial bands. Both sexes have a yellow underside. Fiji banded iguanas reach 60 centimetres (24 in) in length when measured from snout to tail tip and bodyweights of up to 200 grams (0.44 lb). The crests of these iguanas are very short reaching a length of 0.5 centimetres (0.20 in).
The species is diurnal, spending their days foraging, basking and watching over their territories by day and retreating to the treetops at night. Fiji iguanas are considered a national treasure by the government of Fiji, and its likeness has been featured on postage stamps, currency, and phone book covers.

The biggest threats this iguana faces is habitat loss due to fires, storms, agricultural development, and competition from feral goats. A secondary threat is introduced predators in the forms of rats, mongoose, and cats which prey on the iguanas and their eggs. Additionally the iguana has been hunted as a food source and for the illegal exotic animal trade.
maaciejka, Argus, CeltickRanger, tuslaw, uleko has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi James,
really interesting unusual animal for me. Great sharpness and details. Very good point of view.
Thanks for sharing,
Maciek

Ciao James, fantastic portrait of lovely iguana, fine details, excellent sharpness and wonderful natural colors, very well done, my friend, have a good Sunday, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2012-01-22 5:05]

Hello James,
Excellent capture of this rare species of Iguana. The colours and clarity are great and the composition is perfect for the POV.
Great to view!
Thanks and best regards,
Ivan

what a lovely shot with great sharpness and composition.
tfs
Samiran

  • Great 
  • iti Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 577 W: 0 N: 650] (7939)
  • [2012-01-22 8:43]

Hi James,
Good shot, excellent focus on the eye. Nice colours and detail.
Regards Jiri.

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2012-01-22 9:24]

Hello James,
Excellent photo with a perfect focus on the head. Very beautiful colours and a pleasing composition.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2012-01-22 11:07]

Hello James.
A great shot here. The composition is perfect. The iguana has given you a perfect pose. The detail is very sharp, and a very good OOF backround really makes him stand out.Best regards Siggi

So nice to see your work again here Mr.Parker ;) Love your magnificent library!
Regards,
George Veltchev

very fine composition and focus, with great colors performance and details!
regards James
Nasos

Hello James
Interesting lizard and beautiful photo with good composition and wonderful colours.
Regards,
Christodoulos

Hello James

Great close-up shot of this Iguana, with fine POV,
beautiful light, excellent focus sharpness and
details on his head and eye, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2754 W: 282 N: 4931] (19883)
  • [2012-01-24 18:37]

Hello James,
Like so many wild creatures that are diminishing in population due to habitat loss, this colorful lizard is just one more example of that heartbreaking worldwide trend.
Truly a beautiful animal and captured so well by your lens. Focus is tac sharp which allows us to view him in fine detail. Attractive composition and just the right exposure. Well done!!
Ron

very nice!
nice pov and colors!
Tfs
Ilias

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2012-01-30 9:18]

Hello James,
A fine capture of this rare and beautiful Iguana with impressive markings and colours. Great focus on the eye and I like the framing too.
Many thanks and best regards, Ulla

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