The garden lizard, commonly seen in the hilly areas along Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive, is often misidentified by locals as “Roktochosha” (bloodsucker) due to its red-colored head and neck. This misconception has led to the unnecessary killing of this harmless and ecologically beneficial reptile.
Contrary to the myth, the garden lizard does not feed on blood. Instead, it thrives in open fields, bushes, gardens, forests, and parks, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by feeding on small crabs, insect eggs, and other tiny creatures. By consuming harmful pests, it helps protect crops.
On average, a garden lizard grows to 44 cm in length, with its tail measuring about 32 cm and its body measuring around 12 cm.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
