Search for rampaging lizard called off

From correspondents in Port Moresby

February 12, 2008 10:21am

Article from: AAP

PAPUA New Guinean authorities have called off a four-day "Komodo hunt", believing reports of an escaped Komodo Dragon could be a hoax.

The lizard was reported on the loose in PNG's second largest city, Lae, on PNG's west coast, and was said to be terrorising locals after it escaped captivity last week.

But after extensive investigations authorities believe it could be a similar looking Salvadori Monitor, common to the Papuan region and not the endangered Indonesian reptile.

Police, administrators and locals began a search after sightings and media reports that the rare Komodo Dragon was destroying gardens and frightening villagers who had never seen such a creature.

Reports of sightings continued over the weekend and the Army and Department of Environment and Conservation were called to retrieve the giant lizard.

Reports and rumours escalated and soon there were two Komodos leaving giant footprints, the lizard had attacked and killed two dogs and the expatriate owner was offering 1000 kina ($400) for its return.

The Komodo Dragon, is found mainly on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar, and Flores.

The drama captured the imagination of one enterprising local who designed and sold T-shirts supporting the city's new celebrity.

But Morobe Province Disaster and Emergency officer Roy Kamen told PNG's Post Courier the search was called off because they had no new leads and the search was costing too much.

"This situation has spread fear and panic among the people," he said.

"It may be a hoax ... highly skilled soldiers have been in the bushes for four days but have not sighted the reptile," he said.