Observations on Bengal Monitor Lizard, Varanus benghalensis in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India: A Report

Bengal Monitor Lizard, Varanus benghalensis, occurs on places, which are far from human settlements but in the present study, its presence was reported for the first time at three different public places in Itanagar, Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern Himalayan region. The sites of observation are parts of or adjacent to the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, a global biodiversity hotspot of India. The size of the individuals observed was not large enough to attack any livestock. Moreover, conservation imbibed traditions among most local people suggested tolerance and offered a positive scenario for the survival of the species. However, the conservation of this 'Near Threatened' species seems necessary for the larger interest of biodiversity and humanity.