Long Cang Commune Police said on March 1 they had received the reptile from a local resident and would transfer it to forest rangers for care before releasing it back into its natural habitat.
The iguana discovered and caught by a resident (Photo: N.H.).
The 29-year-old man found and caught the lizard in his garden. After researching the species, he discovered it was listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of endangered species and reported the case to authorities.
Police, in coordination with the commune’s economic department, examined the animal and confirmed it was in good health with no visible injuries. Authorities noted that the species has become scarce in the wild due to hunting.
The reptile, commonly known as the Chinese water dragon, has the scientific name Physignathus cocincinus and is classified under Group IIB of endangered, precious and rare forest animals requiring protection.