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Wednesday September 22, 2010

Protected lizards seized

By DESIREE TRESA GASPER
desiree@thestar.com.my

KLUANG: Wildlife authorities seized 422 clouded monitor lizards and detained two men who were transporting the protected species at Kampung Gajah here. “The lizards were wrapped in nets and placed in fruit crates and were being transported in a lorry,” said Johor Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Razak Majid.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/..._25lizards.jpg

Scaly catch: Razak (right) showing some of the confiscated monitor lizards in Kampung Gajah, Kluang yesterday.

He said the two men, aged 30 and 32, were believed to have been attempting to smuggle the reptiles to neighbouring countries. Perhilitan officers stopped the lorry following a tip-off yesterday. “The lizards are much sought-after for their meat, which is believed to have medicinal benefits,” said Razak.

He was unsure if the animals were caught in the local jungles but he said they would be released into their natural habitat soon. It is learned that the lizards can be sold for as much as RM100 each, depending on the size. The clouded monitor lizard is a totally protected species under the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972.