That was the tip of an ice-berg that two reptile smugglers from Odisha were apprehended by the forest department in Bhubaneswar while striking a deal of Rs.1.5 lakh for one Chameleon.
It was, virtually, not a chance discovery but one instance that came to the sight.
And what a deal. For one chameleon they had traded for a hefty sum of Rs.1.5 lakh and just before the deal was through, they fell into the department’s net and arrested.
There was a time people used to spot chameleons in their backyard gardens but, today, these reptiles can often be seen on the roadsides of cities tied to a tree branch and hanging for a deal.
What could be the reason behind such a craze. Misnomer or something cooked out of superstitions like medicinal value or black magic?
This animal is known for its ability to change its colour at the drop of an eyelid. And this bizarre looking animal can often be spotted on high tall tree branches, swaying forward and backwards. With a peculiar throw of its dangerous looking tongue to catch its prey.
Wildlife experts reject the notion that the reptile has a role in playing black magic nor it has any immense medicinal ingredient to become such hot soup product.
Now that their population shows rapid disappearance in forests, soon the specie would go to the record books only.
Interestingly, chameleon are believed to be unseen agents on attracting others (like Sammohan). Which, the experts vehemently deny.
