Monitor lizard killed for blood, officials swing into action

Footage of a monitor lizard being cut, its blood poured into glasses and consumed by some people went viral today with Tamil television news channels airing the visuals, even as the forest department swung into action to nail the offenders.
The visuals show a man slicing up the neck of the lizard known as "Udumbu" in Tamil. He then gently tilts the reptile and the blood oozing out is collected in disposable glasses by another man. Also, some men standing nearby are shown gulping it.
The incident reportedly took place in Pazhavanthangal here.
The reptile is protected under the Wildlife Act and its blood and meat are perceived to have health benefits, forest officials said.

Some nomadic tribes have been traditionally engaged in hunting and selling it.
Asked about the incident, Wildlife Warden, K Geethalanali told PTI that the reptile was protected and action would be taken against those responsible for the incident.
"We have dispatched our teams of officials to the spot to apprehend the culprits. Action is being taken," she said.
The official said that she too saw the visuals on television.