BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – A leading wildlife expert at the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation in Bacolod City reminded residents of Victorias City, particularly those living at Canetown Subdivision, not to harm the local lizard population in a river.
Kim Decena, animal ambassador and reptile expert for the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, said the large lizards spotted at the tributary of the Malihaw River were the Philippine sailfin lizard or ibid.
Residents have mistaken the lizard species as the Asian monitor lizard or halo after several chickens and small dogs reportedly disappeared in the area.
According to Decena, the Philippine sailfin lizard can be identified based on its unique dorsal crest at the back, whereas the Asian monitor lizard has a smooth and streamlined back.
“The monitor lizard is one of the biggest lizards in the world and they could reach four feet to seven feet in size,” Decena explained.
He further said that the monitor lizard can be also identified by its long snout and a very long neck. The monitor lizard is also carnivorous.
The Philippine sailfin lizard, on the other hand, is omnivorous and its diet consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, and fish. The lizard species also only grows to around four feet to five feet at most.
“They don’t eat chickens unlike the monitor lizard,” Decena pointed out.
When asked what could be responsible for the missing livestock and pets in the area, Decena said it is possible that there could be monitor lizard living in the area, or it could also be attributed to the reticulated python which is abundant in the province.
Decena also said it is possible that the population of the Philippine sailfin lizard at the river tributary may have been drawn to the area due abundant food.
Decena advised pet and livestock owners in the area to construct predator-proof cages.
He said poultry raisers must also make sure that their cages have steel bars underneath as monitor lizards are known to dig to the ground to get to their prey.
He also reminded the public that killing or hurting both the Philippine sailfin lizard and monitor lizard is prohibited by Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.
Penalties vary between 10 days to six years imprisonment depending on the section of the law that was violated, as well as fines ranging between P200 to as much as P500,000.
“Killing, catching and even consuming and collecting a wild animal without a proper permit is illegal and is against our wildlife law,” Decena explained.
Decena also advised the Victorias City government, and the barangay officials in the area to properly educate their residents against harming the said lizard species in the area./PN
