Turtles and an Iguana in Fiji

Abstract

At least four species of sea turtle nest in the Fiji Islands. In January 1970 Dr Bustard, aided by a grant from the FPS, visited the eastern group in order to assess the populations. He found, as had been feared, that the turtles were reduced to very low numbers, largely through killing for food; his main recommendation for restoring them is the enforcement of the very good legislation that already exists but which is openly flouted. He also investigated the status of the unique Fijian iguana and urges the need to establish at least one national park to save it—and that quickly.