In the coastal region of Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa Province, the monitor lizard – a wild reptile in the hot sandy areas – is providing a stable source of income for many local households.
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(Photo: jamesriverpark) |
Mr. Trần Ngọc Sơn is one of six households raising monitor lizards in Ba Ngòi Ward, Cam Ranh City, Khánh Hòa Province. After nearly a year of trial farming, the quantity of monitor lizards sold, exceeding 100 kg, has brought his family an income of over 15 million VND, nearly equal to the initial investment he made.
According to Mr. Sơn, monitor lizards can be raised and sold year-round, and the process is advantageous due to low investment costs. With 20 to 25 million VND, Mr. Sơn and other households can complete all stages from building the farm to releasing the hatchlings. The ability of monitor lizards to reproduce in captivity has attracted many farmers since they only need to invest in initial breeding stock; subsequent generations can utilize the offspring produced right on the farm.
Currently, scientists are considering supplying breeding stock to monitor lizard farmers, as most of the current breeding stock still relies on natural capture.
