It
was going to be one of those lazy, no work sort of day due to a sudden Assam
Bandh called by some student’s union. I would rather stay away from the
discussion of justifying bandh but whenever they occur they derail my regular
work schedule and bore me to death but this time nature had better plans for
me!
Got
a call at around noon from my friend and colleague Raja (won’t repeat the
mistake of not mentioning his name again! He was my guide to Gibbon WS) that
some weird looking lizard was stuck somewhere near his place. The reason for
Raja being so reactive (no doubt he is a good guy) was, a few days ago he
casually asked me for some general info about owls, further inquiry into the
matter revealed that he had come across an owl chick (or owlet) in his
neighborhood which wasn’t flying away for some reason. He then placed it in a
corner thinking it would fly off later, then I gave him a lecture on how
vulnerable the chick would have been and by doing some simple stuff we could
have ensured better security to the bird and also asked him to inform me immediately
in such cases.
Asked
Raja for more details of the lizard to ascertain that it’s not a house gecko or
calotes, he confirmed that it’s not looking like any usual lizard, he being a
guy who has grown up in close proximity of jungle and animals I had to trust
him. Though I don’t know why I did the inquiry because in any case would
have gone there to see what it actually was. I guess this is a well advised
practice to be followed by every rescuer to get as much as possible information
of the animal that they are going to deal with. It ensures security and safety
of both animal and human.
I
immediately set off towards the place, wondering why hadn’t I ask Raja about
the size of the Lizard? What if I am going to face a full grown 2 m long Bengal
or Water Monitor Lizard? I am not at all armed for such en encounter! Gave a
rest to those wary thoughts by consoling, Raja didn’t seem that nervous.
Speeded my walk towards the place, all excited to see the unknown- strange
looking lizard!
On
my arrival, Raja was there waiting with a smile. He took me to their water
reservoir and pointed towards a corner down below, with an expression of
handing it over to me and withdrawing from his job of being the protector of
the lizard! I was happy and relieved to see it. Relieved because it was a young
lizard (not big, as I was worrying). It did look different to me too (with my
limited knowledge of lizards of course!) but on close observation I was sure
that it’s not a Gecko or a Calotes or Skink, must be one of the monitor lizards.
Decided
to go inside the tank to bring the fellow out, Raja was hesitant for me being
so audacious and warned me. I assured him and jumped in. Sensing movement in
water the monitor started swimming swiftly towards the cause and clutched my
leg with its well-developed claws. Took it out to safety and to have a
proper look. It was about 30 cm in length and I could see bright yellow spots
and cross bars on a dark brown skin and also the forked, snake like tongue. I
started observing the monitor closely without paying much attention to what
others around me were saying, by then I was sure it’s either a young Yellow or
Water Monitor Lizard. Since rains have already started here so it’s the perfect
time for the young ones to hatch out. Thanked Raja and left the place with the
reptile.
Back
to my place, did a proper inspection of the lizard for injuries but it was
perfectly healthy and agile. Since there wasn’t much to be done about the young
fellow and it was big enough to fend for itself, I decided to release it in a
proper location. Found a good forest patch, which is (luckily) undisturbed,
seemed ideal for the purpose. Released the lizard there wishing him/her meat
and long life, it immediately danced off (typical lizard way) and vanished into
the bush.
Reference
to J C Daniel’s book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians, sort of gave base to my
hunch, that it was indeed a young Yellow Monitor Lizard (Varanus flavescens).
Thus
the day was gone in running around and excitement and turned to be a ideal day
from idle. Moreover it happened to be the day when I was born so giving new
hope of life to a new born is extra fulfilling.
Now
when I sit down to write about the incident, I wonder, though it gives me great
satisfaction to help and save animals in distress but I don’t wish such
instances to occur. It’s like being a doctor, don’t wish people to be ill but
if there are patients, will have to attend to them.
Some
of the not so very good mobile camera photographs of the yellow fellow are
below -
