Pangolin Enters Jabalpur Traffic Police Station, Rescued and Released by Forest Department

Jabalpur: Two animals were recently rescued in separate incidents across different districts of Madhya Pradesh. In Jabalpur district, a 1.25-feet-long monitor lizard, commonly known as a cow snake, found its way into the traffic police station at Garha. The authorities promptly contacted snake expert Gajendra Dubey, who arrived at the scene and successfully rescued the monitor lizard. The reptile was then safely released into the nearby forest of Bargi.

Meanwhile, in Katni district, a pangolin was discovered at the community health center in the village of Hirwara. The forest department team swiftly intervened, capturing the pangolin and relocating it away from the area. A crowd gathered to witness the rescue operation, reflecting the curiosity and concern for wildlife in the community.

Gajendra Dubey emphasized that the captured monitor lizard was a female, approximately three months old. He dispelled common misconceptions about the species, clarifying that it is not venomous. The monitor lizard, known as “goh” in the local language, holds special protected status under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, with hunting of the species strictly prohibited. In fact, goh is considered a national animal due to its historical significance. Legends recount that the great warrior Shivaji Maharaj utilized the lizard’s strong grip to scale walls during his battles against the Mughals, employing guerrilla warfare tactics.

These rescue efforts emphasize the significance of safeguarding and preserving the diverse biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh. They aim to raise public awareness about the crucial task of conserving these extraordinary and invaluable animal species.