Monitor lizard census

BANGKOK, Sept 6 (TNA) -- A survey on monitor lizard population at Bangkok’s Lumpini Park will be conducted in an attempt to control the number of giant reptiles. A previous survey by researchers indicated about 160 monitor lizards calling the 142-acre public park in the heart of the capital home. Ms Kanjana Nitaya, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced the plan to headcount the monitor lizards for the purpose of conservation. “Although they may be frightening to some visitors but monitor lizards never harm anyone. Their presence is an attraction to foreigners. So we need to control their population instead of removing them,” she said. Lumphini is an oasis in the heart of the Thai capital where city dwellers can jog, bike, rent paddleboats and picnic in the lush green surroundings. Ms Kanjana said the monitor lizard population control was aimed at preserving balanced ecological conditions. People are invited in the headcount and to take questionnaires before officials will control their nest for egg laying. The reptiles as large as three meters in length have also been blamed for damaging the park’s flora and frightening away many visitors. Ms Kanjana said the relocation of them was not the right solution as it would be big burden to other wildlife sanctuary and their population would continue to grow. (TNA)