A monitor lizard was rescued from the administrative building of Vinoba Bhave University in Hazaribagh and released in the Canary Hill forest on Friday.

Wildlife researcher Mritunjay Sharma said the rescued animal known as Bengal monitor or common Indian monitor is a monitor lizard found in the Indian subcontinent as well as parts of southeast Asia and west Asia. The wild animal is known for its shy nature and remains away from humans.

Sharma said the lizard, which was 5.5feet in length but not an adult, was found in the computer section of the administrative block of the varsity, which is situated in Sindoor, 5kms away from the town, on Thursday. He said one of the employees, Binod Miachel, called in driver Abdul Kadir and managed to catch it together.

At the news, university employees gathered outside the administrative building to see the lizard. Miachel, who is known for rescuing wildlife, said they caught it without harming it. He said a few days ago, an adult lizard was caught from the Mandai area of the town.

Sharma said the lizard is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, adding that smuggling of the animal is quite common as its skin, tongue and other parts are used for various purposes. He said due to this, they handed the animal to divisional forest officer (wildlife) Dileep Yadav to free it in the forests of Canary Hill safely.

Sharma said it was disheartening to see such creatures now coming into the town. The area of the town has been expanding rapidly, claiming the natural habitats of various animals and forcing animals into the town.

A few days ago, residents of Mandai mohalla had spotted an adult large size monitor lizard following which forest department officials caught the animal. Mandai is around 1km away from the university.