Monitor lizards, as well as Germain’s swiftlet (Aerodramus germani) and Black-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus) birds, have been reclassified, by the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee, as protected species which can be raised and harvested for commercial purposes.
According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the monitor lizard has been added to the list of 62 protected species which can be raised and harvested for its hide, which is durable, has delicate patterns and can be made into leather products.
After the issuance of ministerial announcements to reclassify the three protected species, anyone interested in raising them for commercial purposes can seek permission from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. They can also get more information on how to raise the reptiles from Kasetsart University, which has conducted studies on the raising, harvesting and commercialisation of monitor lizards, which are found in many watercourses.
Regarding suitable places and locations for the raising of these three species, the department is currently working on a report, which is expected to be released in the next six months.
The population of monitor lizards in Bangkok, such as in Lumpini Park and in several urban communities, has increased substantially. Although protected by law, they are hunted as food, used as traditional medicine and for the production of leather products.
Under the current law, possession of protected wildlife species, or their carcasses, is an offence and those convicted face a prison sentence of up to ten years and/or a fine of one million baht.
