Conservation status of Varanus bengalensis in Kokrajhar district of Assam, India

Abstract

The eco-biological behavior and the conservation status of the available species of the genus Varanus from the region of Assam has not been previously worked out. This paper comprises of a study carried out to access the biology and conservation status of Varanus bengalensis in Kokrajhar district of Assam. The study involved field surveys and investigation in the period February 2013 – June 2014. During the study direct visuals and indirect surveys was carried out across the five areas of Kokrajhar. The study revealed V. bengalensis to be quite prevalent in all of the five areas. A total number of 19 individuals were recorded during the period, of which 14 were adults and 05 juveniles. From the indirect surveys (questionnaire) among the local people, it can be concluded that there must have been steady decline in the Varanid population in the last decade. Hunting for meat and habitat encroachment have been observed as the primary threats leading to its extermination from the region. In order to protect and conserve the species from further destruction it is high time to develop essential conservation measures and policies.