Lapitiguana Explained

Lapitiguana impensa is an extinct giant (1.5 m long) iguanid from Fiji.^[1] It probably became extinct following the human colonization of Fiji 3000 years ago.^[1]

All extant Fijian iguanas are in the genus Brachylophus, together with an extinct species from Tonga. The closest living relatives of the Polynesian iguanas are found in the Americas.^{[2] [3]}

See also

• Brachylophus gibbonsi
• Pumilia novaceki

External links

• Fossil remains of the giant iguana Lapitiguana impensa
• Lapitiguana impensa; holotype

Notes and References

1. Pregill . G. K. . Worthy, T. H. . A New Iguanid Lizard (Squamata, Iguanidae) from the Late Quaternary of Fiji, Southwest Pacific . Herpetologica . 59 . 1 . 57–67 . The Herpetologists' League . March 2003 . 10.1655/0018-0831(2003)059[0057:ANILSI]2.0.CO;2 .
2. Keogh . J. Scott . Edwards, Danielle L. . Fisher, Robert N. . Harlow, Peter S. . Molecular and morphological analysis of the critically endangered Fijian iguanas reveals cryptic diversity and a complex biogeographic history . . 363 . 1508 . 3413–3426 . . 2008-10-27 . 10.1098/rstb.2008.0120 . 18782726 . 2607380.
3. Noonan, B.P. . Sites, J.W. Jr.. 2009-11-24. Tracing the origins of iguanid lizards and boine snakes of the Pacific. University of Chicago Press. 61–72. 10.1086/648607. 175 . 19929634 . 1 . The American Naturalist. 5882832.