Sanda Lizard: A desert wonder, medicine or myth?

Recently, a strange animal called the sanda lizard has gone viral on social media. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube are filled with memes, videos, and discussions about 'eating sanda'. But what is this lizard really? And why is there so much talk about it?

The sanda lizard, scientifically known as Saara hardwickii, is a fascinating reptile that lives in the deserts of South Asia. It’s found in India’s Thar Desert and Rann of Kutch, and Pakistan’s Sindh province, especially in the Kohistan region. While it may look simple from the outside, the sanda lizard is important in cultural, environmental, and economic ways.

Desert’s eco-hero

Sanda lizards dig burrows up to 2 meters deep and live together in colonies. Their burrows become homes for desert predators like eagles, hawks, desert foxes, and snakes. This makes the sanda lizard an important part of the desert ecosystem.

Food and traditional medicine

In some areas of India and Pakistan, people eat sanda lizard meat — especially the tail — which they believe is tasty and gives energy. But it’s the 'sanda oil', made from the lizard’s fat, that is more popular. It’s used in folk medicine to treat sexual weakness, joint pain, and muscle aches.

This oil is sold openly in places like Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi of Pakistan, and is even exported to countries like the UAE and Oman. Many online platforms also sell sanda oil, often illegally.

Is eating Sanda lizard allowed in Islam?

According to a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was once offered a lizard (likely a species similar to the sanda). He didn’t eat it himself, but he didn’t call it haram either. One of his companions, Khalid ibn Walid (RA), ate it in front of him.

Based on this Hadith, many Islamic scholars, such as Ibn Qudamah, say the lizard is halal. However, some scholars of the Hanafi school — like Imam Abu Hanifa — suggest avoiding it. Still, many Muslim communities in South Asia eat sanda lizard and consider it halal.

A species at risk

Because of high demand, the number of sanda lizards in parts of India like Rajasthan is falling fast. India’s Wildlife Protection Act (1972) has given the sanda lizard 'Schedule I' status — the highest level of legal protection. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) also lists it as 'Vulnerable'.

Situation in Saudi Arabia

Sanda lizards are not found naturally in Saudi Arabia. However, a similar species called 'dhabb' is hunted there. Since the sanda lizard is listed in CITES Appendix II, international trade is only allowed with proper licenses. Smuggling it into Saudi Arabia can lead to a fine of up to 30 million Saudi Riyals or 10 years in jail.

The sanda lizard is not just an animal — it's a symbol of the desert’s life. For some, it’s food and medicine. For others, it’s a mystery. But scientifically, most of its claimed benefits have not been fully proven yet.

Protecting the sanda lizard is important — not just for nature, but for building a smart and balanced society.