Short Wave
The Iguanas That Rafted To Fiji
Apr 1, 2025
Jonathan Lambert, NPR reporter with a focus on evolutionary biology, dives into the astonishing story of how Fijian iguanas made their way nearly 5,000 miles across the ocean. The discussion reveals that these creatures might have traveled on floating tree clumps, a phenomenon observed after hurricanes in the Caribbean. Lambert shares insights from recent studies that counter conventional theories, highlighting the impact of rare events on evolutionary paths and the challenges scientists face in piecing together the iguanas' fascinating history.
09:18
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Quick takeaways
- The study reveals that Fijian iguanas likely reached their isolated home by rafting nearly 5,000 miles on vegetation after environmental changes made land migration impossible.
- Research into the genetic links between Fijian and desert iguanas showcases the remarkable resilience and adaptability of species during evolution and trans-oceanic journeys.
Deep dives
The Mystery of Fijian Iguanas
Fijian iguanas' origin has puzzled scientists due to their geographic isolation, as most iguanas are native to the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Galapagos Islands. Two primary hypotheses existed: the first suggested gradual migration over land bridges millions of years ago, while the second proposed that iguanas may have traveled via a raft formed from vegetation across the Pacific. The latter theory gains support in recent research as scientists discovered links between Fijian iguanas and desert iguanas from the southwestern United States, indicating a more plausible dispersal event. This new evidence dismisses the land bridge notion, particularly given environmental changes that would have made such migration impossible.
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