Imagine waking up to find 16 mysterious giant eggs suddenly appearing in your home. This was the astonishing discovery made by a farmer in Odisha, India, on September 5, 2021, as reported by the Indian Times. The farmer, who stumbled upon these eggs in his farmhouse, was concerned that they might belong to cobras, given that it was the season for cobra hatching. He quickly contacted wildlife expert Subhendu Mallik for assistance.
Mallik observed the eggs and noted that the breeding season for cobras typically occurs from April to July, with an incubation period of up to 69 days. This meant that if they were cobra eggs, they should have hatched by September at the latest. However, the eggs showed no signs of hatching, leading Mallik to conclude that they were unlikely to be cobra eggs. They also did not resemble the eggs of rat snakes.
Given the unknown nature of the eggs, Mallik decided to artificially incubate them. His 14-year-old son was tasked with caring for the eggs during this process. Mallik used a light source to observe the blood vessels inside the eggs, confirming the presence of embryos. Over time, the embryos developed, and it became possible to see their heads. Mallik speculated that the eggs might belong to giant monitor lizards.
After 223 days, the first egg hatched on April 12, revealing a Bengal monitor lizard. The remaining eggs hatched within three days, and all 16 baby monitor lizards were found to be healthy. With the assistance of local forest department personnel, the lizards were released into their natural habitat. Mallik expressed his joy, stating that without artificial incubation, the eggs would have been destroyed, and their successful hatching was a significant achievement.
Bengal monitor lizards are significantly larger than typical lizards, with adults reaching lengths of 0.9 to 1.5 meters, and some exceeding 2 meters, making them larger than many humans. The discovery and successful hatching of these eggs were a remarkable event, showcasing the importance of conservation efforts.
