FIJI TIMES (Suva) 05 January 11 Villagers work with State to wipe out lizards (Serafina Silaitoga)
Villagers are helping government officials as an iguana eradication program begins on the island.
Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary Colonel Mason Smith said he would receive an update this week.
"Work on the eradication program has started and we have involved villagers to assist government officials," he said.
"The team has started with the trapping of iguana and awareness programs including training of people who have assisted government officials."
Col. Smith said he would meet with the team from Nature Fiji this week to finalise details of the work.
"Once we do that then we can move on to the next step. The eradication program covers the whole of Taveuni, including Qamea, Matagi and Laucala," he said.
"At this week's meeting we will also know exactly how many iguanas have been trapped and in which areas."
Mid last year, the ministry appointed two herpetologists to develop an eradication strategy for the South American Iguana first found on Qamea Island.
Igt also appointed a team of bio security officers to help the herpetologists.
The American iguana has caused fear among the islanders, especially those on Qamea, with women reluctant to to go out fishing alone.
Villagers work with State to wipe out lizards