World Lizard Day 2025: Monitor Lizard (Varanus spp.) Count in India

As key predators and scavengers, they play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance.According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Yellow Monitor is Endangered and the Bengal Monitor is Near Threatened, while the Asian Water Monitor and Desert Monitor are Least Concern.

In India, all are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.Despite their importance, populations are declining due to habitat loss, urbanisation, and human pressures.Following the success of previous years, the Monitor Lizard Count 2025 aims to assess their distribution across India while engaging citizens in conservation.