Endangered reptile released back into wild in Turkey’s Cizre

Endangered reptile released back into wild in Turkey’s Cizre

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A “desert monitor,” which is believed to be the biggest reptile living in Turkey, has been released back into the wild after being found last week by locals in the eastern province of Cizre.

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According to a written statement made by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, the desert monitor, also known as the giant lizard, was found during excavation works in the village of Girikova last week. It was treated by the Directorate General for Nature Conversation and National Parks (DKMP) before it was released back into its natural habitat.

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Informed by villagers about the reptile, DKMP teams went to the area to catch it and took it to Şırnak for a veterinary check-up.

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The reptile, whose species is currently under threat of extinction, was released into its habitat after heath checks. As soon as it was released the desert monitor disappeared into one of the holes among the rocks in the area.

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Examining the area, DKMP teams found up to 25 holes, believed to be the nests of desert monitors, over an area of up to six decares. Desert monitors mostly live in parts of the southeastern Turkish provinces of Şırnak and Şanlıurfa near the Iraqi and Syrian borders.

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