Bettiah: In a rare and remarkable sighting, a large monitor lizard, typically elusive in the wild, has been spotted within the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran district, Bihar. Tourists visiting the reserve captured footage of the impressive creature, estimated to be around 3-4 feet long, near the boundary of the Water Resources Department office.
The monitor lizard (called Goh in Hindi), often referred to as the “Dragon of the East Indian Blend,” is one of the largest species of its kind, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 10 feet. This species is classified as endangered under the Wildlife Protection Act, with illegal hunting for its skin posing a significant threat to its survival. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding this magnificent reptile.
Six Species of Monitor Lizards in India:
India is home to six distinct species of monitor lizards, with the Kawra monitor lizard being the most well-known. Juveniles of this species, known as Biskhopara, are often mistakenly believed to be poisonous. However, this is a misconception, as Biskhopara are simply young monitor lizards and pose no venomous threat.
A Life Connected to Water:
Monitor lizards have a deep connection to aquatic environments, thriving in areas near water and swamps. Their diet consists of frogs, fish, insects, and crabs. Much like tigers, male and female monitor lizards engage in territorial battles for control over mates. Females lay 15-20 eggs before the rainy season, concealing them in burrows. To protect her offspring, the female creates multiple decoy burrows to mislead potential predators. After 8-9 months, the young hatch from their white eggs.
Ancient Uses of Monitor Lizards:
The monitor lizard’s powerful claws make it an exceptional climber, able to cling firmly to walls or trees. In ancient times, soldiers utilized monitor lizards to scale high fortifications. The lizard would be tied to a rope and thrown onto a wall; once it latched onto the surface, soldiers would ascend using the rope.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve: A Haven for Rare Species
Kamlesh Maurya, WWF Project Manager, emphasized the significance of such sightings, stating, “The presence of monitor lizards in Valmiki Tiger Reserve is a positive indicator that the reserve’s ecosystem is conducive to biodiversity. This sighting suggests that conservation efforts are paying off, and these creatures are thriving in their natural habitat.”
