'First time ever': Panic grips Alyalpora Shopian after sighting of unknown Lizard species

August 11, 2025 by News Desk

Photo/ The Kashmiriyat

Meer Irfan

Panic gripped the Alyalpora area of Shopian on Sunday afternoon after residents spotted an unfamiliar and unusually large lizard-like reptile in their neighborhood.

Wild lizards are generally not common in Kashmir, so encountering such a creature was completely new and unsettling for the locals.

Eyewitnesses, speaking to The Kashmiriyat, described their shock and confusion at seeing what they believed was a lizard, something they had never encountered before in the region.

“We have lived here for years, but we have never seen any lizard or reptile like this in our area,” said Muhammad Shakir, a local resident. “It was big, almost a meter long, with a thick body and a long tail. It looked very strange to us, nothing like the small geckos or skinks we might sometimes hear about elsewhere.”

Another added, “People were really scared because we have never seen such a reptile in Kashmir before. It moved fast and looked dangerous. Some thought it might be poisonous or harmful, and that created a lot of fear.”

The sudden appearance of the reptile has left the community worried, as large wild reptiles are unheard of in this temperate and mountainous region.

The Kashmiriyat contacted wildlife officials over the issue. Mudassir Dar confirmed that the animal is most likely an Indian monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) a species native to tropical and subtropical parts of India but previously never reported in Kashmir.

“This is the first confirmed sighting of the Indian monitor lizard in Kashmir,” Dar told The Kashmiriyat. “This species prefers warmer, tropical climates like those in central and southern India. Its presence here in the cooler Kashmir is surprising and unusual.”

Addressing safety concerns, Dar clarified, “The Indian monitor lizard is not venomous, but its bite can cause infections because of bacteria in its mouth. Given its size, about one meter long , it could pose a threat to small animals or humans if provoked. We are still studying the behavior of this individual to assess any risks.”

Dar said the wildlife department is investigating how this tropical reptile ended up in Kashmir’s temperate environment. “We need to understand if this was an isolated incident or if more such sightings could happen.”

The department successfully rescued the lizard from Alyalpora and has taken it for detailed examination and care. Officials emphasized their commitment to protecting both the animal and the local community.

Locals remain anxious but hopeful. “We want to live without fear,” said one villager. “We trust the authorities to manage this carefully and keep us updated.”

Wildlife experts urge the public not to approach or disturb any wild animals and to immediately report any unusual sightings.