Poisonous Lizards In India

Poisonous Lizards In India: Do They Exist?

Just like all snakes are not poisonous, all lizards are also not poisonous. As a common person, we tend to associate reptiles like snakes and lizards with venom, bites, aggressiveness, and other negative aspects. While some snake bites can indeed be dangerous and lethal, we tend to abhor the very idea of snakes, however harmless some species might be.

The same applies to lizards, and more so because in India, there are no species of venomous or poisonous lizards. Here, you must know the difference between venomous and poisonous. Venomous animals inject venom through their bite or sting directly into your bloodstream. Poisonous animals release poison, which can enter your body through contact with your skin or through ingestion or inhalation.

Only a few known species of lizards are believed to be venomous/poisonous, and none of them occur in India. 

Poisonous/Venomous Lizards Worldwide

The Gila Monster

The Gila monster, which is found in some US states, produces a neurotoxic venom as potent as that of a coral snake’s venom. However, very small amounts of venom are delivered through Gila bites, which are usually not fatal for healthy human adults. It is difficult to free oneself of the biting lizard as the Gila tends to hold on tenaciously to its victim and hence submerging the lizard fully in water becomes the only way to make it let go. Excruciating pain, edema, and a drop in blood pressure are some symptoms associated with such bites.

The Mexican Beaded Lizard

Another venomous lizard, the Mexican beaded lizard, found in Mexico and Guatemala, produces a weak hemotoxic venom. Though chances of fatality are low, bites from these lizards can cause excruciating pain, inflammation and in extreme cases, respiratory failure.

The Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon, a giant lizard species endemic to Indonesia, also produces a highly potent venom. This venom, when injected into the victim, triggers rapid blood loss, a massive drop in blood pressure, and finally death. The species also hosts a massive bacterial load in its saliva, which also enters the bitten victim, causing infection, which, if left untreated, can lead to death. However, since komodo dragons live on remote and isolated islands, they hardly encounter humans. It is important for researchers and tourists visiting this island to maintain a respectable distance from these animals.

Lizards In India

A variety of lizard species are found in India but none of those that have been studied are known to be venomous in nature. Thus, there are no poisonous lizards in India.

Common House Gecko

The most common lizard we encounter in our homes and offices is the common house gecko. These lizards are associated with innumerable superstitions. They are often thought to be venomous. However, the simple truth is that these creatures are devoid of any form of poison or venom and are quite harmless to humans. Though they might bite on rare occasions, their bites are also quite weak and cannot pierce skin. One thing to remember is that, like all animals, they might contain harmful bacteria in their droppings. Hence, it is important to maintain good hygiene where lizards live and also to clean hands well when handling/cleaning such droppings.

Our house geckos are useful animals because they keep our homes free of many insects. Hence, we must learn to coexist with them and value their contribution to our lives.

Thus, hopefully, your search for “Poisonous Lizards In India” has found its answer here. 

“There are no poisonous/venomous lizards in India”