These Innocent Creatures Are Killed Out Of Sheer Ignorance!
By AKRao24
@AKRao24 (27424)
India
May 24, 2018 1:23pm CST
The picture what you see here is of the young ‘Bengal Monitor’ or ‘Common Indian Monitor’
They are found widely distributed in India and also in southeast and western Asia!
These beautiful looking young monitor lizards looks very attractive with their colors and the pattern which may look creepy or scary to some people, because of which they declared this harmless creature as a poisonous one though they are not.
These creatures can grow about 175 Centimeters in length from snout to tip of tail and can weigh about 7 Kilos at the time of their maturity.
In fact these animals have many friendly features for mankind and they have helped us in many ways in the past.
The young ones as shown in the picture look different than the matured ones. The matured ones are not that attractive to look at and are single colored either black, grey or brown in color.
People from the states of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab believe that these young ones, which they popularly call as ‘Goyra’ or ‘Bagheera’ are highly poisonous and if bitten there is no remedy available for this which is unfortunately a myth prevailing there strongly.
Because of this the young Bengal Monitors are killed by the people from these regions in large scales, just out of sheer ignorance!
A lot of efforts are needed to educate these people! As a first step from my side I catch them and show the people that they are harmless and I further I explain them that they are young ones of Bengal Monitors and they have their own life to lead!
Surprisingly people are not afraid of the adult monitors; on the contrary they feel that it is a ‘cowardly’ act to kill a Bengal Monitor!
Have you ever seen a young or grown up ‘Bengal Monitor’?
Frankly speaking may I know your first reaction after looking at the picture?
Could you suggest how to educate these superstitious people about this animal and save it from extinction?
Please respond, your responses will be highly appreciated as usual! Thanks!
They are found widely distributed in India and also in southeast and western Asia!
These beautiful looking young monitor lizards looks very attractive with their colors and the pattern which may look creepy or scary to some people, because of which they declared this harmless creature as a poisonous one though they are not.
These creatures can grow about 175 Centimeters in length from snout to tip of tail and can weigh about 7 Kilos at the time of their maturity.
In fact these animals have many friendly features for mankind and they have helped us in many ways in the past.
The young ones as shown in the picture look different than the matured ones. The matured ones are not that attractive to look at and are single colored either black, grey or brown in color.
People from the states of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab believe that these young ones, which they popularly call as ‘Goyra’ or ‘Bagheera’ are highly poisonous and if bitten there is no remedy available for this which is unfortunately a myth prevailing there strongly.
Because of this the young Bengal Monitors are killed by the people from these regions in large scales, just out of sheer ignorance!
A lot of efforts are needed to educate these people! As a first step from my side I catch them and show the people that they are harmless and I further I explain them that they are young ones of Bengal Monitors and they have their own life to lead!
Surprisingly people are not afraid of the adult monitors; on the contrary they feel that it is a ‘cowardly’ act to kill a Bengal Monitor!
Have you ever seen a young or grown up ‘Bengal Monitor’?
Frankly speaking may I know your first reaction after looking at the picture?
Could you suggest how to educate these superstitious people about this animal and save it from extinction?
Please respond, your responses will be highly appreciated as usual! Thanks!17 people like this
16 responses
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
25 May 18
I find them feisty basing on their skin. They look so harmless. Never seen one or I do not remember seeing one. Continue what you are doing, my friend, so that the people will be aware and will not be afraid. Also, it would be better if local government will stop the killing of those young lizards.
3 people like this
@AKRao24 (27424)
• India
26 May 18
@mlgen1037 , Yes, to educate people there shpuld a group of self motivated volunteers, then only things will work! Thanks!
2 people like this
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
26 May 18
@AKRao24 That is really sad, my friend. I guess, if there will be more people like you who is willing to educate people about those friendly and harmless lizards. That could make a difference. 
2 people like this
@topffer (42156)
• France
24 May 18
There are several big lizards/varans in the "Jardin des Plantes", a park/zoo in Paris, but I do not remember to have seen this one, or maybe adults only. I will check next time I will go there. It is an interesting discussion. Animals are often killed by ignorance and you are doing an useful work of education. Bengal monitors will be thankful to you.
.2 people like this
@porwest (78761)
• United States
24 May 18
I have not seen one, and of course we do not have them here that I am aware. Some creatures like this for whatever reason elicit a negative response from people who encounter them. Snakes are often like that too. Even non-venemous grass snakes are sometimes killed just because they are a snake and people have an adversity to them.
2 people like this
@AKRao24 (27424)
• India
24 May 18
Thanks a lot for your honest response! I think basically the bright color pattern what they have to intimidate their enemies is ultimately becoming the enemy for themselves!
In fact most of the non poisonous snakes and other non poisonous creatures have brilliant color pattern which acts as a warning to birds not to attack them!
Possibly this act of the nature is going against them and we are killing these innocent creatures out od ignorance! I am right dear friend @porwest ? Thanks lot once again!
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (45467)
• India
25 Jun 18
Well we do not kill the lizards buthe try to make them go away in a harmless manner. Killing ought to be avoided as much as possible.
1 person likes this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
2 Jun 18
People need to get educated about a lot of things we find in Nature .. There is a lizard in the Philippines they call "Tuko" that people also hunt and killed when they enter their houses because people believe that lightning will strike the house if that particular lizard is inside the house ..
.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (18923)
• United States
25 May 18
cute lizard. Lily, my black cat, loves to play and kill lizards. never seen those here.
never seen those here.1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
25 May 18
i haven't seen an actual monitor like this one, but why are they killed? they should be protected.
1 person likes this
@AKRao24 (27424)
• India
26 May 18
@ridingbet , They can't think that way as these are found mostly away from water. They think that these are highly poisonous and they kill them! Thanks!
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
26 May 18
@AKRao24 maybe they think the lizard is a miniature crocodile or alligator.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
24 May 18
I am sorry to tell you that if this 'bengal monitor' is the same as the 'matte' or 'iguana' in Trinidad, then that is eaten here. This lizard is not considered as poisonous and is hunted for it's meat which is considered 'wild meat' and is a rare delicacy. It is very expensive in the market.
1 person likes this
