In a rare sighting, an Indian chameleon was rescued from a residential home in Vadodara’s Manjalpur area by the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA rescue team, an official statement said on Wednesday.
It said that the Wildlife SOS-GSPCA rescue hotline (+919825011117) received a call for assistance, reporting the chameleon clinging to the metal grill of a house. Concerned for the reptile’s safety in the urban environment, the rescue team quickly responded. On arrival, they found the bright green chameleon perched on the railing, attracting curious onlookers.
Raj Bhavsar, Project Coordinator at Wildlife SOS and President of GSPCA, said,“Chameleons are often misunderstood and can face unnecessary harm out of fear. Our team ensured the rescue was smooth and kept the animal’s stress low. We urge people to remain calm if they see such creatures and to contact authorities immediately.”
Although harmless, the presence of the chameleon in a busy urban area can be stressful for the animal. The trained rescuers carefully secured the reptile to ensure its safety without causing harm, it said.
After the rescue, the chameleon was examined and found to be healthy. It was then released back into a safe natural habitat. The Indian chameleon, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, faces threats due to habitat loss and destruction of green cover.
Vadodara’s Range Forest Officer, Karan Singh Rajput said,“Quick reporting of wildlife sightings helps us act fast with partners like Wildlife SOS-GSPCA. This chameleon probably came from the nearby Vishwamitri river. Urban sightings like this highlight the impact of habitat loss.”
Following the rescue, the reptile was thoroughly examined to assess its health and after being found fit, the chameleon was released back into a safe wild habitat.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “Each rescue is important for protecting India’s biodiversity. The Indian chameleon is a harmless reptile and by returning it safely to the wild, we help maintain the balance of their population.”
