Bengal Monitor Lizard caught by the locals in Badarpur, Forest Dept. Stunned.

There are four species of  Varanus found in Inia, among them, two are found within the Barak Valley, the Asian Water Monitor (V. Salvator) and the Bengal Monitor (V. Bengalensis). On Thursday afternoon, a giant lizard was spotted next to the Barak Valley cement factory by the locals of Badarpur. After that, the locals chased it down and tied it to a pole. Human presence brought the reptile in discomfort.

Professor Parthankar Choudhury shared his perspective on the extinction of such species. He said, since the last centuries, the increase in numbers of the human population, destruction of wildlife habitat, expansion in agricultural land and infrastructure development have resulted in the population decline for the wildlife of the region. It has also resulted in human-wildlife conflicts, killing animals for their meat and oil. These are the threats posed to the wildlife habitat of the region.

He added, “This species is in stress. As per the wildlife protection act of India, it is a Schedule-1 species. Capturing and killing is a punishable offence and yet it is captured or killed for various purposes. Awareness of its conservation should be strengthened. " The professor makes it clear that this reptile is not a threat to humans.

Under the wildlife protection Act 1972, it has been divided into six different schedules. Each schedule provides a different form of protection. A reptile classified under part 2 of schedule 1 was tied to a pole for hours and photographs went viral on social media, yet, the Karimganj Forest Division had little idea about all of it.

Even the rangers as well as the DFO were clueless. This kind of affair brings the lack of awareness in light. It remains to be seen if the Forest Division invests to generate awareness both within and in general.