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Gekko gecko in a Malaysian market. JCM |
There are about 5729 lizard species in the world, and in
many cultures saurians are believed to have medicinal properties and their skins
are frequently used in the novelty leather industry. Subtamanean and Reddy
(2012) discuss the use of the common monitor lizard and the Tokay gecko as
examples of species frequently exploited by humans on the Indian
subcontinent. In India, products
derived from Varanus bengalensis are used to treat a variety of ailments,
including hemorrhoids, rheumatism, body pain and burns, as well as spider and
snake bites. It is also used as a cure for arthritis. The fat and meat of this
lizard work like the hormone testosterone and hence these are considered a
delicacy and an aphrodisiac in South India. The meat is also believed to be
effective in curing the tension that sets into the muscles controlling
breathing due to lack of oxygen. The powdered meat is capable of building up
resistance and is believed to mitigate rise in blood sugar. It is used in
energy tonics for blood and lungs to relieve asthma and cough. The skin of Varanus bengalensis is highly priced and is used widely in the
manufacture of leather goods. During a survey in the winter of 2010 in northern
Tamil Nadu, Bengal monitors were recorded in several places across a variety of
habitats, suggesting a stable population. However, they are caught and killed
mercilessly, and there is an illegal flesh trade of these reptiles in northern
Tamil Nadu, which has led to them becoming endangered. Thus catching monitor
lizards is banned under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). Surprisingly, V. bengalensis has been assessed as a species eliciting least
concern by the IUCN Red List Category. Though it is listed as safe now, further
research and monitoring of this species is needed to ensure that a threat
category is not triggered in the future. The establishment and management of
new protected areas where this species can be protected from hunting is needed
to provide refuge sites from persecution. The Tokay gecko, Gekko gecko is much sought after in the pet trade. But recently
there has been an increase in demand for its flesh, especially of the tongue,
due to the belief that it is a cure for AIDS. Its carcass is dried and ground
into powder for consumption. After reports
that the consumption of the Tokay geckos’ tongue and internal organs cure HIV,
the demand for these geckos increased. It has also been used extensively for
cures for impotence and illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, skin disease and
cancer The demand has continued despite the World Health Organization's position
that there is no cure for AIDS at present.
Citation
Subramanean, J & Reddy, MV. 2012. Monitor lizards and
geckos used in traditional medicine face extinction and need protection Current
Science (Bangalore) 102, (9)1248-1249.