12-9-2023 (BEIJING) Authorities in China have seized a batch of living monitor lizards, numbering up to 16 individuals, from a woman’s bra. The woman was attempting to clandestinely transport these creatures for sale in Hong Kong. The discovery of these creatures has raised eyebrows, as it is suspected that a wildlife smuggling ring may be involved.
Reports indicate that customs officials stationed at the Fuzhou Port in the eastern part of China became suspicious of the female passenger on a cross-border vessel due to her wearing oversized and baggy clothing. Subsequently, they conducted a search, requesting the woman to remove her garments, revealing that five net bags containing “Monitor Lizards” were concealed within her innerwear. The bags contained a total of 16 monitor lizards.
A video clip released by the Chinese customs office to the public showed officials removing the monitor lizards from the bags before placing them in large plastic containers. Experts in wildlife were then summoned to inspect the creatures and initiate the necessary legal proceedings.
The monitor lizards in question, known as “Hydrosaurus amboinensis” or sailfin dragons, are elusive creatures. They are large, similar in appearance to iguanas, and are named after their sail-like dorsal fin, resembling a sailboat’s structure. These creatures are native to Indonesia and the Philippines, inhabiting areas near water sources.
Monitor lizards, particularly sailfin dragons, face significant threats, including habitat loss and becoming targets of the illegal wildlife trade. They are sought after by enthusiasts who keep exotic pets.
The smuggling of these monitor lizards, and their subsequent seizure, has prompted concerns about the well-being of these creatures and the extent of the illegal wildlife trade. Further investigations are likely to be conducted to uncover any potential wildlife trafficking networks involved in this incident.
