THE option of using trained dogs to track down American Iguanas for the purpose of eradication is part of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji's program for 2012 to 2014.
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji chief executive officer Elvis Silverstrini said they used $200,000 so far for the eradication and awareness program.
He said the option of using dogs was being explored and a canine unit would greatly improve search effort.
The American Iguanas can now be found on Qamea, Laucala, Matagi and Taveuni.
"It would be far more effective over rough and heavily wooded terrain the iguana conceals itself in," said Mr Silverstrini.
"BAF has a three-year American Iguana eradication program starting from 2012 to 2014 and use of canine dogs is part of this program."
Mr Silverstrini said a submission had been made to the government for funding of the program.
"However, we are awaiting response and a number of aspects of the three-year strategic plan have been implemented.
"This includes appointing temporary biosecurity officers who are conducting monitoring and surveillance, gathering and submitting data on sighted, captured and non-captured specimens, nesting sites and assisting with euthanasia." Mr Silverstrini said additional funding was being sought to accelerate the process.
"BAF would like to inform people that the islands of Qamea, Matagi, Taveuni and Laucala have been declared as biosecurity emergency areas.
"Hence movement of all stages of American Iguana including its egg into, out of, or within the declared biosecurity emergency areas is strictly prohibited," Mr Silverstrini said.