Hatha Jodi: A commodity of importance under Indian wildlife trade

Introduction

India is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, with ecosystems ranging from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, Sundarbans, and arid deserts. It is home to approximately 7.5% of the world's recorded species, including over 400 species of amphibians, 600 species of reptiles, 1,200 species of birds, 400 species of mammals, and a diverse array of molluscs and invertebrates. The reptilian fauna of India includes crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and lizards, with several species endemic to the country. Among the reptilian species, monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) are of particular ecological significance. India hosts four species, viz the Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis), yellow monitor (Varanus flavescens), desert monitor (Varanus griseus), and water monitor (Varanus salvator). These lizards exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger and displaying more robust head structures compared to females (Auffenberg, 1994) [1] . The term Hatha Jodi refers to the bifurcated reproductive organ (hemipenes) of the monitor lizard, which has been falsely marketed as a mystical root believed to bring luck and prosperity. This misrepresentation has fuelled an illegal trade where the hemipenes are collected, dried, and sold as rare artifacts, often through online platforms (Ramesh et al., 2018) [4] . The demand for Hatha Jodi has significantly contributed to the hunting of monitor lizards, despite their protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Illegal poaching of monitor lizards occurs across India, driven by superstitious beliefs and the demand for exotic animal parts in traditional medicine and black markets. The rise of e-commerce has exacerbated this trade, with platforms unwittingly facilitating the sale of Hatha Jodi under misleading labels (Choudhury et al., 2020) [2] . Confiscations of large quantities of Hatha Jodi have highlighted the scale of this issue, pointing to organized wildlife crime networks. The unchecked hunting of monitor lizards threatens their population stability and disrupts ecological balance. As apex predators in their microhabitats, these lizards control insect and small vertebrate populations, contributing to healthy ecosystems.

Overexploitation may lead to local extinctions, reducing genetic diversity and altering food web dynamics (Whitaker & Captain, 2004) [6] . Conservation measures, including strict law enforcement and public awareness campaigns, are crucial to mitigating the decline of monitor lizard populations in India. The current report details the identification of the hatha jodi using molecular tools from seized specimens.

Materials and Methods

Ten biological samples (Hatha jodis) seized from different locations in Maharashtra were submitted to the Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Nagpur, for species identification (Figure 1). DNA was extracted using the Qiagen DNA Blood and Tissue Kit, following the manufacturer's protocol to ensure high-purity DNA. The DNA was quantified using Qubit technology (Mfg. Thermofischer Scientific). Species identification was conducted through PCR amplification, targeting the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene, as described in the reference (Verma and Singh 2003) [5] . The Agarose Gel Electrophoresis revealed an amplification of approximately 450 bp (Figure 2). The PCR amplicons were purified using the Qiagen PCR Purification Kit to remove any contaminants and ensure highquality DNA for sequencing. The purified DNA was sequenced using the ABI 3500 Sanger Sequencer, employing both forward and reverse primers to generate accurate sequence data. A consensus sequence was constructed from the obtained forward and reverse reads to improve reliability. The generated sequences were analysed using Nucleotide Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (nBLAST) from the NCBI database, revealing a high similarity to the Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis), (Figure 3). The findings confirmed that the seized samples belonged to Varanus bengalensis, contributing to evidence in wildlife forensic investigations.

Discussion

The identification of the seized biological samples as Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) provides critical forensic evidence supporting wildlife law enforcement in India. This study underscores the utility of molecular techniques, particularly DNA barcoding using the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene, in species identification. The successful amplification and sequencing of the Cyt b gene, followed by nBLAST analysis, confirm that forensic genetics is a reliable approach for species authentication in cases of illegal wildlife trade (Verma & Singh, 2003) [5] . The illegal poaching and trade of monitor lizards, particularly for Hatha Jodi, pose severe threats to their populations. Despite their protected status under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, these reptiles are continuously exploited due to the superstitions surrounding their hemipenes. The increasing use of e-commerce platforms to sell hatha jodi highlights the evolving nature of wildlife crime, making enforcement more challenging (Choudhury et al., 2020) [2] . Seizures of large quantities of these artifacts indicate the involvement of organized wildlife crime networks that operate across multiple states and even internationally (Ramesh et al., 2018) [4] . The ecological significance of monitor lizards as mesopredators in their respective habitats further exacerbates the consequences of their exploitation. As regulators of insect and small vertebrate populations, they help maintain ecological stability. The loss of these lizards from the environment can disrupt trophic dynamics, potentially leading to an increase in prey populations and subsequent imbalances in local ecosystems (Whitaker & Captain, 2004) [6] . The depletion of genetic diversity due to rampant poaching may also reduce the adaptability of monitor lizard populations, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes and diseases. To mitigate the illegal trade of monitor lizards, a multi-faceted approach is required.

Conclusion

The illegal trade of monitor lizards, particularly for the mystic Hatha Jodi, poses a significant threat to their populations and ecological balance in India. The application of molecular techniques, such as DNA barcoding, has proven vital in accurately identifying seized specimens, strengthening wildlife law enforcement efforts. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter enforcement, online market surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to dispel superstitions and reduce demand. Protecting monitor lizards is crucial not only for conserving biodiversity but also for maintaining healthy ecosystems where they serve as key mesopredators. Continued integration of forensic science and conservation strategies is essential to curb illegal trade and ensure the survival of these vital reptiles in India.

Conflict of Interest Not available

Financial Support

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementsThe authors express their sincere gratitude to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife

References

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