SINGAPORE: In a dramatic attempt to capture a wandering monitor lizard, chaos ensued as the reptile managed to elude capture not once, but twice.

The heart-pounding scene unfolded on Tuesday (26 Sep) and was skillfully documented and shared on TikTok by the user known as Sukor.

The incident unfolded within a block of HDB flats situated in the tranquil neighborhood of Taman Jurong.

In a concise 55-second video that has since garnered over 225 thousand views, Sukor’s laughter resonated through the corridors as he relentlessly pursued the elusive reptilian intruder during broad daylight.

https://www.tiktok.com/@svkorr/video/7282748804925852936

According to Sukor, the initial sighting by a neighbor occurred at 11.00 am, but when National Parks authorities arrived on the scene, the cunning lizard had mysteriously vanished into thin air.

However, at around 04.00 pm, it made a nonchalant appearance, strolling down the corridor to Sukor’s astonishment.

Undeterred, Sukor spontaneously initiated a game of “catch me if you can,” playfully mimicking a roar while chasing the nimble lizard.

With its four legs in full motion, the terrified monitor lizard effortlessly outpaced Sukor, executing a remarkable drift around a corner before making a dash for the staircase.

Upon reaching the staircase landing, the startled reptile attempted to chart an escape route, only to collide headfirst into a wall with an audible ‘bonk.’

NParks made significant efforts to catch the energetic creature

The video then cuts to a later moment in time, during which the participants appear to have called a temporary truce to catch their breath, leaving the lizard cornered on the landing.

Upstairs, Sukor continued his infectious fit of laughter, while an unseen neighbor on the floor below wielded a broom like a spear, joining in the mirth.

Ultimately, Sukor managed to chase the monitor lizard away.

Three long hours later, National Parks personnel, clad in their distinctive green uniforms, finally arrived at the HDB premises to apprehend the trespassing monitor lizard.

Employing a specialized tool, they attempted to coax it into a cage.

However, the slippery reptile proved more elusive than a bar of soap coated in grease, squeezing its body and flailing tail through the narrow gap between the cage and the wall, and making a daring descent down the stairs.

Sukor then spotted the two National Parks officers engaged in a spirited chase across a nearby road.

The agile reptile leaving its pursuers bewildered as it changed direction, darting past a recycling bin and disappearing into the void deck of another HDB building.

The lizard eventually sought refuge amidst a densely packed array of parked bicycles.

Finally, after a heroic effort, the dedicated National Parks officers managed to navigate the labyrinthine maze of bicycles and safely subdue the evasive fugitive.

NParks advises against pursuing monitor lizards

The comical TikTok video generated significant online attention, with numerous netizens finding it thoroughly entertaining. Some even expressed their anticipation for the lizard to stage a counter-chase.

There were playful comments pondering the lizard’s drifting abilities, yet in all seriousness, National Parks strongly advises against pursuing or cornering a monitor lizard, as they may react defensively.

Instead, they recommends maintaining a safe distance, promptly contacting the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600, and patiently awaiting their professional intervention.

INDONESIA: The population of the iconic Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), a unique and ancient species endemic to Indonesia, is under threat, prompting concerted efforts to protect and conserve these remarkable creatures.

Komodo dragons are the largest extant species of lizard, growing to a maximum length of 3 m and weighing up to 70 kg.

Recent estimates suggest that only between 4,000 and 5,000 Komodo dragons remain, primarily inhabiting various regions on Flores Island and within the Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Emeraldo Parengkuan, the General Manager of Taman Safari Indonesia – the Indonesian animal theme park – revealed the distribution of this dwindling population.

The majority of these dragons, approximately 1,700 individuals, reside on Komodo Island, followed by 1,300 on Rinca Island, and smaller populations on Gili Motang and Gili Dasami.

Flores Island is home to around 2,000 Komodo dragons. Alarmingly, it is estimated that only 350 productive females capable of breeding remain within this population.

In response to these concerning numbers, the Indonesian government established the Komodo National Park in 1980 to safeguard the Komodo dragon population and the ecosystems of several islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Padar.

Additionally, the Wae Wuul and Wolo Tado Nature Reserves on Flores Island were designated to aid in Komodo conservation.

Panoramic view of the beach and tourist boats on Kelor Island, Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo. (Photo: KOMPAS.com)

Emeraldo Parengkuan emphasized the need for continued support from the government, local and international communities, as well as intellectuals in the conservation efforts of the Komodo dragons.

He made this statement after releasing six Komodo dragons into the Wae Wuul Nature Reserve in Labuan Bajo on Saturday (23 Sep).

These six dragons were the result of breeding efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in collaboration with the Natural Resource Conservation Center of NTT and the Taman Safari Bogor conservation organization, with support from Smelting Inc.‘s – first copper smelter and refinery in Indonesia – conservation program.

Jansen Manansang, Director of Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), reiterated their commitment to preserving the Komodo dragons, emphasizing the species’ protected status under Indonesian law.

TSI has undertaken various conservation and habituation efforts to ensure the dragon population remains stable, with the goal of allowing future generations to witness these majestic creatures.

Ryuichi Hasegawa, Executive Vice President (EVP) Director of Smelting Inc., affirmed the company’s commitment to environmental conservation and its collaboration with Taman Safari Indonesia on protecting endangered Indonesian wildlife.

He cited their successful conservation efforts with the Javan Hawk Eagle, which was released back into its natural habitat in January 2023, as an example of their dedication to preserving endemic Indonesian flora and fauna.

The Komodo dragon is one of Indonesia’s most iconic and globally recognized endemic species. Its primary habitat is Komodo Island, recognized by UNESCO as one of the Seven Wonders of the World that demands protection.

This unique reptile, classified as a monitor lizard, holds a special place in the hearts of both local and international tourists and researchers.

The Komodo dragon is often used as a national and international symbol for Indonesia, drawing visitors to the Komodo National Park throughout the year.

Beyond its iconic status, the Komodo dragon is a truly unique creature. As one of the world’s oldest living species, it boasts exceptional adaptability, including swimming and tree-climbing abilities, though it is known for its occasional cannibalistic tendencies.

Efforts to preserve the Komodo dragon are not only vital for the conservation of this ancient species but also for maintaining Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.