Agra, Dec 5 (IANS): A rare species of Bengal Monitor Lizard that had got trapped in the Air Force area here on Tuesday was safely resuced and released into its natural habitat, an official said.

A functionary of the Wildlife SOS said the rare creature was trapped in a crate kept in the lawn of a resident who contacted the NGO to safely extricate the monitor lizard.

The rescue team members, on arriving at the scene, found the monitor lizard was gasping for breath and totally exhausted as it was trying to free itself from self-inflicted bondage.

After the rescue, the monitor lizard was placed under close medical observation by the NGO's veterinary team. Once deemed fit, the reptile was subsequently released into its natural habitat.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said: "The successful rescue of the monitor lizard exemplifies the significance of timely intervention in wildlife emergencies. It also underscores the need for awareness programs to educate the public on co-existing harmoniously with wildlife."

Baiju Raj MV, Director- Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said: "Reptiles such as Bengal monitors often bear the brunt of misconceptions and fears leading to retaliatory killings. We are grateful to the vigilant rescue caller who reached out to Wildlife SOS for assistance, leading to a prompt rescue of the reptile."

The Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) is a species native to India.

Typically residing in parks, and jungles, these lizards play a vital role in its ecosystem by primarily consuming small mammals, birds, rodents, and insects.

Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the species is often targeted for their meat and body parts due to misguided beliefs, posing a threat to their numbers.