SWD confiscates snakes, spiny-tailed lizards

The Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) has taken into custody 75 spiny-tailed lizards (Sanday) and four snakes during a raid in Quaidabad area of the metropolitan city.

The spiny-tailed lizard is a species of lizards which is found in patches across the Thar desert, Kutch, and surrounding arid zones in India and Pakistan. The oil of this lizard's skin is known for its medicinal value.

According to Sindh Wildlife Department Conservator, Javed Meher, a tip-off led to the raid on a 'clinic' located under a flyover in the densely populated Quaidabad area. As many as 75 spiny-tailed lizards and four snakes were recovered during the raid, he added.

The raid was led by Inspector Azim Khan, Ejaz Nondani, Lal Muhammad and Madan Lal of the Wildlife Department. The owners of the 'clinic' used these reptiles for making harmful medicines which they prescribed for different purposes.

One suspect, identified as Abdul Ghaffar Rajput, was taken into custody during the raid who is being interrogated.

Javed Maher said that these reptiles are also sold at Sunday bazaars and other such places in the city. Quakes use the skin of these lizards and snakes for making different oils which they claim have medicinal values.

The Sindh Wildlife Department has taken several actions during the last few months which included arrest of quakes, imposition of fines and confiscation of the animals which were later released into their natural habitats.

According to Inspector Nondani, the accused, Abdul Ghaffar Rajput, was released by court on bail because he claimed that he was a security guard at the 'clinic'. Rajput will be produced in the court on Wednesday in the absence of the clinic's owner.

The confiscated reptiles were later released in their natural habitat in Kirthar National Park.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2022.