Translocation plans for endangered species

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Minister for Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy with an endangered iguana on Yadua Taba Island in Bua last month. Picture: SUPPLIED

Plans are in progress for the translocation of Fijian flora and fauna species listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) endangered list. Environment Ministry permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe said these species –– which included iguanas –– continued to be threatened by predators and introduced animal species.

He said Fiji had been allocated $16 million by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and said 80 per cent of the funding would be attributed to biodiversity and species protection.

“Our work currently focuses on creating awareness on the importance of preserving these species and working with the communities in ensuring this is done,” he said.

“Imagine having 12,000 endemic iguana species on a 70 hectare piece of land. We are planning on putting forward a proposal for funding at the upcoming GEF cycle seven meeting. Iguanas are among the other terrestrial species that we are considering for this translocation project.”

Mr Wycliffe said they would be putting forward a proposal to Washington for funding.

“At the moment we are working with communities and non-governmental organisations like the National Trust of Fiji to manage the Fiji Crested Iguana Sanctuary in Yadua Taba Island, Bua.

“We are encouraging members of the communities to report any illegal behaviour, especially of poachers, if they come across any.”

Mr Wycliffe was on Yadua Taba Island recently with Environment Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy to launch a policy on the conservation of iguana species

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