The animal, identified as a water monitor lizard, measured more than 1.2 metres in length and weighed about 2.8 kilogrammes. It is classified as a protected species under Vietnam’s Group IIB list of rare and endangered forest animals.
The man found the lizard while cleaning his house and, recognising it as wildlife, voluntarily reported it to authorities. The animal has since been transferred to forest rangers for care before being released back into the wild.
Officials said the discovery took place about 20 kilometres from U Minh Ha National Park, a known habitat for diverse wildlife.
