Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, May 29: In a fascinating turn of events that has thrilled conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike, five monitor lizard hatchlings were successfully born from eggs discovered in a drain in Mumbai’s Mulund area—nearly four months after being placed in an artificial incubator.

The eggs were first spotted on January 26 by civic workers during routine drainage cleaning. Initially unsure of the species, they reached out to the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), an NGO committed to the protection and rehabilitation of urban wildlife.

“We suspected they belonged to a reptile, likely a lizard,” said Pawan Sharma, president of RAWW. Following protocol, the forest department assigned the NGO the task of caring for the eggs using artificial incubation methods.

The eggs were carefully placed in a plastic container filled with a special substrate—a mix of soil and powdered coconut husk. Chinmay Joshi, a zoologist involved in the initiative, explained that the mix offered natural antibacterial and antifungal protection, crucial for a healthy incubation environment.

The team used a method called candling—a flashlight test—to determine fertility. Out of the ten eggs recovered, only five were found to be viable. The incubator was closely monitored every two to three days, maintaining a temperature between 27–29°C and humidity levels between 70% and 85%.

After 114 days of careful observation, the first hatchling emerged, followed by the rest. The final baby monitor lizard hatched on May 21.

Interestingly, the site where the eggs were found is located on the eastern periphery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a region known for its ecological diversity and a suitable habitat for monitor lizards. Experts believe the mother lizard instinctively chose the drain location for laying eggs, sensing it would offer warmth and protection.

All five healthy hatchlings were safely released back into the wild, marking a heartening success story for Mumbai's often-overlooked urban wildlife.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant civic work and timely intervention, showcasing how urban environments, with a little care, can coexist with the natural world.