The Tay Ninh Forest Protection Department's Area IV ranger unit said it recently received the reptile from local authorities in Hau Thanh Commune.
The animal was found on June 1 by a resident who spotted it behind his house and reported the discovery to local police.
Following the handover, authorities completed the necessary procedures and transferred the reptile to forest rangers for care and further handling.
The animal was identified as a water monitor (Varanus salvator), a species classified as Group IIB protected wildlife under Vietnamese law.
Forest rangers said the reptile would be monitored to ensure its health before being released or otherwise handled in accordance with regulations.
The voluntary handover was praised as a contribution to wildlife conservation and the protection of rare species.
They also urged the public to promptly notify authorities when encountering wild animals in residential areas or witnessing wildlife-related violations.
