CID forest cell rescues rare spiny tailed lizards

Sleuths of the Criminal Investigation Department (Forest Cell) and wildlife volunteers raided a private courier agency and rescued spiny-tailed lizards which are concealed in shoe boxes ready to be shipped to Villupuram in Tamil Nadu.

The police said that the spiny-tailed lizards are Scheduled 1 species under the Wildlife Protection Act (as per their biodiversity value). The illegal trade thrives unabated in the city and neighbouring states. This is due to the growing demand for lizards from people who believe they (monitor lizards) possess some medicinal value, they added.

Based on a tip-off, the officials raided Mahalakshmi courier office situated at Satellite Bus Stand complex on Mysuru Road and rescued the reptiles. They are herbivorous and are found only in Rajasthan, wildlife enthusiast Sharath Babu said. The parcel was booked from Hosur and expected to be delivered to Tamil Nadu. The police have registered a case at Byatarayanapura police station for further investigation.The police said the lizards have been sent to an animal clinic and after obtaining the permission from the court, they would be released into Bannerghatta National Park.