Monitor Lizard vs Sanda: Myths, Reality, and the Brutal Truth Behind Viral Videos

Monitor Lizard and Sanda – Two Names, One Confusing Mystery

Have you ever come across viral videos on social media where a large reptile is chased, caught, and sometimes even killed—just for some so-called “magical oil”? Often, it's claimed that this “oil” boosts male sexual power. These videos refer to the animal as either a monitor lizard or a sanda. But what are these creatures, really? Are they the same or completely different?

Today, we peel back the layers of confusion, superstition, and misinformation surrounding these two reptiles—and uncover the real science, the devastating myths, and the urgent need for awareness.

The Monitor Lizard: A Misunderstood Giant

The monitor lizard, scientifically known as Varanus bengalensis, is one of the largest lizard species found in South Asia. It can grow up to 4–6 feet long, with a muscular tail, sharp claws, and a forked tongue that often scares people.

These lizards are carnivorous—they eat insects, rodents, snakes, eggs, and even carrion. While they may look fierce, they play an important ecological role by controlling pest and snake populations, helping to protect crops and maintain balance in nature.

What Is a Sanda Lizard?

The creature popularly referred to as sanda is not a monitor lizard at all. Its real identity is the spiny-tailed lizard, with the scientific name Uromastyx hardwickii. Unlike monitor lizards, sandas are much smaller (1–2 feet) and completely herbivorous, meaning they eat leaves, seeds, and plants.

They’re slow-moving, shy, and completely harmless. Their tail has rough spikes, which is why they’re often mistaken for more dangerous reptiles.

Monitor Lizard vs. Sanda – Key Differences

Feature

                                                 Monitor Lizard Sanda (Spiny-tailed Lizard)

Scientific Name : Varanus bengalensis Uromastyx hardwickii

Diet : Carnivorous Herbivorou

Size                         :             4–6 feet 1–2 feet

Speed : Fast and agile Slow

Nature : Can be defensive Completely harmless

Tail : Long, strong Short, spiny

 

Yet, due to physical similarities and social ignorance, these creatures are often confused—and both become victims of horrific exploitation.

The “Sanda Oil” Myth – Fact or Fiction?

One of the most harmful and widespread myths is that oil extracted from sanda enhances male sexual power. In certain regions of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, people believe that burning a live sanda produces an oil with aphrodisiac properties.

This is completely false.

There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim. Modern medicine, Ayurveda, Unani, and homeopathy do not recognize this oil as effective. It is nothing but a scam, often promoted by quacks and illegal traders for profit.

Unfortunately, this myth has led to the brutal killing of thousands of sandas, pushing them toward extinction.

Myths Around Monitor Lizards

Monitor lizards are also victims of superstition. Many believe they are venomous or hunt humans, which is completely untrue. Though they might look scary, monitor lizards are shy and tend to run away from human contact. They may defend themselves if cornered, but they are not aggressive by nature.

Because of their misunderstood appearance, they are often hunted or killed out of fear or for supposed “magical” uses.

Their Role in Nature

Monitor Lizards control pests and snakes, protecting farmland and human settlements.

Sanda Lizards dig burrows that aerate soil, promote plant growth, and help distribute seeds.

Each plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Removing them from their habitats creates a ripple effect of environmental disruption.

What the Law Says

Both monitor lizards and sanda lizards are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act in countries like India and Bangladesh. Hunting, selling, or harming these reptiles is illegal, and violators can face heavy fines and jail time.

Still, due to lack of awareness and the spread of social media myths, these animals continue to suffer silently.

The Social Media Trap

Modern myths now spread through TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. A man claims “This sanda oil works miracles!”—and boom, millions view it. Others post dramatic videos of catching a monitor lizard, claiming it’s dangerous or magical.

Most of these videos are fake, scripted, or designed for views and money. The real price is paid by the helpless animals caught in the middle of human greed and ignorance.

The Bigger Picture – Why It Matters

By killing these reptiles, we are not only violating animal rights but also harming our own environment. Nature operates through delicate connections, and even the smallest species plays an irreplaceable role.

Today it’s the sanda. Tomorrow it could be birds, frogs, or bees. When we break these chains, the damage becomes irreversible.

What Can You Do?

Don’t believe viral videos blindly.

Report illegal animal trade or cruelty.

Educate others about the truth.

Support wildlife protection campaigns.

Change starts with awareness. If more people know the truth, fewer animals will suffer for false beliefs.

Final Words

The monitor lizard and sanda are not monsters. They are part of Earth’s diverse family of creatures. They ask for nothing—just to live peacefully. It’s up to us to protect them from superstition, cruelty, and extinction.

Let’s build a future where myths don’t destroy lives—human or animal.

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