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LAHORE:
Lahore wildlife authorities have intercepted a large illegal consignment of desert lizards, with over 100 animals reportedly mutilated and rendered immobile, officials said.
Acting on instructions from Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Adnan Work, Wildlife Inspector Usman and his team conducted a raid in the Kot Lakhpat area, recovering the lizards and arresting one suspect.
The suspect was in possession of more than 100 desert lizards, locally known as sandda, and has been booked under the Wildlife Act.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the animals were killed to extract oil, which was intended for illegal sale in local markets.
Desert lizards are protected under the Wildlife Act and play a critical role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and maintaining soil moisture. Experts warned that illegal hunting and inhumane handling have led to a steady decline in their numbers.
Wildlife specialists noted that these lizards are often captured for their oil or use in traditional medicines.
