Researchers who have studied genetic evidence of iguanas suggest the ancient reptiles traveled nearly 5,000 miles from North America to Fiji on floating vegetation.

There are 45 different species of Iguanidae in the Caribbean and the tropical, subtropical and desert areas of North, Central, and South America, including the marine iguanas of the Galapágos and the chuckwallas in the American Southwest.

Most iguanas live in the Americas. But scientists have found evidence some floated to Fiji, likely snacking on their raft along the way.