Giant Monitor Lizard Spotted Wandering in Bahraich Katarniaghat ForestUttar Pradesh
22 Aug 2026, 4:41 pm (1 hour ago)· 4

Giant Monitor Lizard Spotted Wandering in Bahraich Katarniaghat Forest

A giant monitor lizard was spotted searching for prey during the monsoon season in the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh.

A rare sight captivated wildlife enthusiasts and locals in Uttar Pradesh as a massive monitor lizard was spotted wandering around in search of prey. People gathered around with great curiosity to catch a glimpse of the creature, while pictures of the animal were also successfully captured. This sighting took place in the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division of Bahraich district, where the movement of wild animals has noticeably increased with the onset of the monsoon season.

Spotted Near the Embankment in Katarniaghat

According to reports, the giant monitor lizard was seen roaming near the embankment located within the Katarniaghat forest range. Following heavy rainfall inside the jungle, the creature ventured out of its natural habitat to hunt for food. For context, a monitor lizard belongs to the lizard family, but its size is several times larger than an ordinary lizard, making its presence quite striking.

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Captured on Camera by Forest Department Official

During the rainy season, these reptiles frequently emerge from their burrows. In the photograph, the monitor lizard is clearly visible strolling along the edge of the embankment. Forest Department Ranger Ashish Gaur captured this rare moment on camera, showcasing the creature's clear movement near the water body.

A Sign of a Healthy Ecosystem

Forest officials stated that the Katarniaghat forest is rich in biodiversity, and the frequent sighting of such rare creatures serves as a clear indication of a healthy ecosystem within the jungle. The presence of diverse wildlife highlights the successful preservation of the region's natural habitat.

Questions & Answers

Where was the giant monitor lizard spotted?
The monitor lizard was spotted near the embankment in the Katarniaghat forest range within the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh.
Why did the monitor lizard come out of its habitat?
Following heavy rainfall in the jungle, the monitor lizard emerged to search for prey.
Who captured the pictures of the monitor lizard?
The rare sighting and photographs were captured by Forest Department Ranger Ashish Gaur.
What does the sighting indicate according to forest officials?
Officials stated that the appearance of such rare creatures in the forest indicates a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

Comments 2

Karan Malhotra@karan-malhotra·19m ago

The heightened activity of the monitor lizard during the monsoon in the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division directly indicates a balanced ecosystem. However, increased movement of such wildlife near water bodies and embankments also raises the potential for human-wildlife encounters. The forest department should step up patrols in sensitive zones and raise local awareness to ensure safety during the rainy season.

Rohan Verma@rohan-verma·18m ago

Karan Malhotra rightly highlights this as proof of a healthy ecosystem, but increasing security and patrolling in these sensitive zones of Bahraich during the monsoon must be the top priority. Following heavy rainfall in dense forests like Katarniaghat, the movement of wildlife near human settlements or embankments demands strict vigilance for both the animals' safety and the local villagers. The forest department needs to formulate a prompt and concrete strategy for this.

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