Six Senses Fiji Leads Fijian Crested Iguana Comeback with Landmark Translocation to Castaway Island

Six Senses Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji have marked a major conservation milestone with the successful translocation of critically endangered Fijian crested iguanas from Malolo Island to neighbouring Qalito (Castaway) Island. The project, delivered in partnership with the Mamanuca Environment Society, Fiji’s Ministry of Environment, reptile specialist Dr Peter Harlow and Qalito’s traditional landowners, showcases how regenerative tourism and shared stewardship can help rescue species on the brink.​

Bringing the Fijian Crested Iguana Back to Qalito

The Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is one of the world’s rarest lizards and is listed as critically endangered, with its survival tightly linked to intact Fijian dry forest habitats. Although Qalito once supported a population, no confirmed sightings had been recorded since the early 1980s, making this reintroduction the first return of the species in more than 40 years.​

Thanks to years of habitat restoration and predator control, Qalito now offers one of Fiji’s best-preserved native dry forests, with more than 35 hectares of suitable habitat and the potential to support thousands of iguanas in the future. Conservation biologist Dr Peter Harlow says the island is now poised to play a crucial role as a long-term stronghold for the species.​

How Six Senses Fiji Grew a Source Population

On Malolo Island, Six Senses Fiji protects a key remnant population of Fijian crested iguanas within the resort’s conserved “Green Belt” of native dry forest. Since the resort opened, the iguana population there has grown significantly, supported by targeted habitat restoration, invasive-species removal and the planting of hundreds of native trees.​

Between 2022 and 2025 the protected dry forest was expanded by around 0.5 hectares and more than 800 native trees were planted, helping boost iguana numbers by over 60 percent and creating the conditions to safely source animals for translocation. A further 1.5 hectares of reforestation is planned to support future generations and maintain Malolo as a resilient “source” site.​

Why Translocation Matters for an Island-Endemic Species

Translocation – moving animals to establish new, self-sustaining populations – is a globally recognised conservation tool, especially for island-endemic species facing habitat loss and invasive predators. By creating a second, genetically diverse population on Qalito, conservationists reduce the risk that a cyclone, disease outbreak or habitat pressure on a single island could wipe out the species.​

Led by Dr Harlow, twelve healthy adult iguanas were carefully selected from Six Senses Fiji’s protected forest and relocated to Qalito’s restored dry forest. Each iguana has been fitted with a radio transmitter and microchip, with Fijian conservation student Manasa Vula monitoring their movements and survival in the coming months, supported by Auckland Zoo funding.​

Regenerative Tourism in Action

Both Six Senses Fiji and Castaway Island frame the project as a powerful example of regenerative tourism: travel that actively restores ecosystems and supports local biodiversity. Castaway Island has invested in long-term predator control, removing threats like feral cats and restoring native vegetation so that Qalito is once again safe for iguanas.​

Six Senses Fiji General Manager Mark Kitchen says the thriving iguana population on Malolo gives the resort a responsibility to support the species beyond its own boundaries, while Castaway’s Steven Andrews emphasises environmental stewardship as central to the resort’s mission and guest experience. For travellers, staying at these resorts now directly supports a flagship conservation story in the Mamanuca Islands.​

What’s Next for the Iguanas of Malolo and Qalito

If this first translocation proves successful, more iguanas will be moved from Malolo to Qalito over the coming years to strengthen genetic diversity and build a robust, self-sustaining population. Conservation partners ultimately hope that Qalito will become a source island in its own right, providing iguanas for future reintroductions as other dry-forest habitats across Fiji are restored and protected.​

In the meantime, guests at Six Senses Fiji and Castaway Island can witness a rare conservation comeback story in real time – and know that their stay is helping one of Fiji’s most remarkable reptiles reclaim its place among the trees.​