Six Senses Fiji Expands Conservation Legacy as Fijian Crested Iguanas Translocate to Neighbouring Castaway Island, Fiji
Six Senses Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji have reached a landmark ecological milestone for Fiji with the successful translocation of one of the world’s rarest lizards, the Fijian Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis), from Malolo Island to neighbouring Qalito Island. The initiative was delivered in partnership with the Mamanuca Environment Society, the Fiji Ministry of Environment, reptile specialist and conservation biologist Dr. Peter Harlow, and the traditional landowners of Qalito, demonstrating how shared stewardship can deliver greater conservation outcomes.
A Stronghold for a Species on the Brink
The Fijian crested iguana is one of the world’s most endangered reptiles. Although Qalito Island once supported a population of these iguanas, no confirmed sightings have occurred since the early 1980s. With one of Fiji’s best preserved native dry forests still intact, returning a population to the location offers a critical opportunity to secure the species’ future. Dr. Harlow says Qalito now has the potential to play a crucial role in securing the species’ future.
On Malolo Island, Six Senses Fiji protects an important remnant population within the resort’s carefully conserved patch of native dry forest. This thriving community has grown by 65 percent since 2022, supported by the planting of more than 800 native trees across 0.5 hectares of protected dry forest. A further 1.5 hectares of reforestation will begin next year to expand habitat for future generations. Meanwhile, Castaway Island, Fiji has played a key role in preparing Qalito, investing in long-term predator control to ensure the island is safe for the species’ return.
Why Translocation Matters
Translocation is a globally recognised conservation method used to establish new, genetically diverse and self-sustaining wildlife populations. For an island-endemic species, it significantly reduces the risk of extinction from disease, natural disasters or habitat saturation on a single island.
Led by internationally recognised reptile specialist Dr. Peter Harlow, twelve healthy adult iguanas were selected from Six Senses Fiji’s protected dry forest, where the resort safeguards one of Fiji’s most important remaining populations of the critically endangered species.
Over the coming months, Fijian conservation student Manasa Vula, supported by funding from Auckland Zoo, will monitor the release using radio-tracking technology.
This initiative reflects both resorts’ commitment to regenerative tourism by supporting local conservation, restoring ecosystems and protecting the natural heritage of Fiji for generations to come. Steven Andrews, General Manager of Castaway Island, Fiji emphasized the resort's core values, stating, “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.”
“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. Creating a second population on Qalito is a vital step in ensuring these remarkable animals continue to flourish for generations to come,” says Mark Kitchen, General Manager of Six Senses Fiji.
Looking Ahead
Pending the outcome of this first transfer, additional iguanas will be moved to Qalito to ensure genetic diversity and long-term population stability. As the newly translocated animals adapt and breed, Qalito Island is expected to develop a thriving population that may one day provide iguanas for further islands as their dry forest habitats are restored and protected.
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