I have always been passionate about observing and studying amphibians and reptiles, especially different species of lizards in many countries. I am Member of the IUCN SSC Monitor Lizard Specialist Group.

My last fieldwork:

Dragons in desert trouble: anthropogenic wells as a potential threat to the Desert Monitor, Varanus griseus (Daudin, 1803), in Morocco

🐲 The desert monitor lizard, Varanus griseus (Daudin, 1803), is the largest species of lizard in Morocco. It is widely distributed in the Saharan areas south of the Atlas Mountains, from Tantan to Figuig, and has a significant presence in the Atlantic Sahara. This species is classified as “near-threatened” at regional level in Morocco. 

👉 In terms of international conservation status, it is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, despite a declining population trend. In addition, it is listed in Appendix I of CITES and Annex A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation.

✋ In general, V. griseus faces many threats, including road mortality, habitat loss, illegal pet trade, local beliefs and climate change. 

👀 In Morocco, the desert monitor is the subject of local superstitions. In addition, these lizards are hunted by locals and, once captured, undergo a traditional drying process. locals believe that placing these mummified lizards around their homes will discourage snakes.

🦴 A recent potential threat comes from wells used in dry regions to retain rainwater. These man-made concrete structures pose a serious anthropogenic threat to a number of animal species, including Morocco's herpetofauna.

Our aim was to collect sightings of lizards trapped in wells, demonstrating the potential threat to this species in Morocco.

🧨 Action is urgently needed to solve this problem. Our study reveals a high mortality rate. This alarming statistic underlines the seriousness of the threat and the immediate need for intervention. We urge environmentalists to prioritize this issue. One potential solution could be to organize public awareness campaigns and workshops focusing on wildlife conservation. These initiatives aim to highlight the importance of protecting these animals to maintain the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity. They also address the need for education about local beliefs and superstitions, which are detrimental to the animals concerned.

For those interested in the details, I invite you to consult the full text:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386552775_Dragons_in_desert_trouble_anthropogenic_wells_as_a_potential_threat_to_the_Desert_Monitor_Varanus_griseus_Daudin_1803_in_Morocco

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