Gekko gekko
The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, nocturnal gecko native to Asia and some Pacific Islands, known for its striking blue-gray skin with red or orange spots and a distinctive "tokay" call. It inhabits rainforests and frequently adapts to human dwellings, where it hunts insects and small vertebrates. Despite its impressive appearance, it is known for its aggressive nature and a powerful bite.
Key Facts
- ›Reaches an average total length of 25-30 cm, with some individuals growing up to 40 cm.
- ›Possesses striking blue-gray skin adorned with red or orange spots and speckles, with the ability to change color.
- ›Males are generally more brightly colored and slightly larger than females.
- ›Known for its aggressive and territorial behavior, capable of delivering a strong bite.
- ›Feeds on insects and small vertebrates, with a diet that can include roaches, caterpillars, spiders, and beetles.
- ›Its call, a loud croak, is onomatopoeic and gives the species its common name.
Tokay Gecko, Tuko
Northeastern India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, Western New Guinea, Introduced In Florida, Martinique, Islands of Belize
- Large Nocturnal Gecko, Reaching A Total Length of 25-30 cm On Average, With Some Growing Up To 40 cm.
- Cylindrical, Somewhat Flattened Body Shape.
- Eyes Have Vertical Pupils.
- Skin Is Soft To the Touch, Generally Blue-Gray With Red Or Orange Spots and Speckles.
- Capable of Changing Skin Color To Blend With the Environment.
- Males Are More Brightly Colored and Slightly Larger Than Females.
- Possesses Strong Foot Pads For Climbing Vertical Surfaces.
- Robust Build With A Semiprehensile Tail and A Large Head With Muscular Jaws.
Insects, Small Vertebrates, Springtails, Mealworms, Cockroaches, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Locusts, Pink Mice, Roaches, Caterpillars, Spiders, Beetles
- Generally Aggressive and Territorial.
- Capable of Inflicting A Strong Bite.
- Males Make A Distinctive Loud Croaking Call.
- When Threatened Or Alarmed, They "Bark" While Opening Their Mouth Defensively.
- Females Lay and Guard Clutches of Eggs.
- Pairs Form Temporary Family Groups and Care For Young During Breeding Season.
- Can Distinguish Mates and Offspring By Smell.
Poaching For Medicinal Trade, Poaching For Pet Trade, Indiscriminate Hunting, Increasing Urbanization Reducing Range
About Gekko gekko
The Tokay Gecko
The tokay gecko, scientifically known as Gekko gecko, is a large, nocturnal gecko species native to Asia and some Pacific Islands. It is renowned for its distinctive vocalizations, often described as "tokay," which give the species its name. These geckos are characterized by their robust build, striking blue-gray skin adorned with red or orange spots, and their ability to change color for camouflage.
Habitat and Distribution
Tokay geckos are primarily found in rainforests, where they inhabit trees and cliffs. They have also successfully adapted to human environments, frequently being found on walls and ceilings in rural areas, where they hunt for prey at night. Their native range extends across tropical Asia, from northeastern India to eastern Indonesia, and they are also present in Southeast Asia and parts of New Guinea. The species has been introduced to other regions, including Florida in the United States.
Behavior and Diet
As nocturnal and arboreal creatures, tokay geckos are active hunters after dark. They are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, and their powerful bite can inflict significant injury. Their diet consists mainly of insects and small vertebrates. In captivity, they are often fed a variety of insects and sometimes small rodents.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Females lay clutches of one or two hard-shelled eggs, which they guard until hatching. In some instances, communal nesting has been observed. Pairs may form temporary family groups to care for their young. When well-maintained in captivity, tokay geckos can have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Conservation and Human Interaction
Tokay geckos hold cultural significance in many East Asian countries, often associated with good luck and fertility, and are believed to have supernatural powers in some folklore. However, they are increasingly threatened due to poaching for the medicinal trade, where they are used in traditional Chinese medicine despite a lack of scientific substantiation for their purported benefits. They are also sought after in the illegal wildlife trade, leading to over-collection and making them a threatened species in certain regions, such as the Philippines. The species is protected under Appendix II of CITES, regulating international trade.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tokay gecko?
The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, nocturnal gecko species native to Asia and some Pacific Islands. It is recognized for its distinctive call, vibrant coloration, and robust build.
What does the tokay gecko eat?
The tokay gecko primarily feeds on insects and small vertebrates. In captivity, its diet often includes springtails, mealworms, cockroaches, crickets, and sometimes pink mice.
Is the tokay gecko dangerous to humans?
Tokay geckos are known to be aggressive and territorial, and they possess a powerful bite that can pierce skin and cause bleeding. They are not recommended for inexperienced keepers due to this temperament.
Where does the tokay gecko live?
This species is native to tropical Asia, from northeastern India to eastern Indonesia, and is also found in Southeast Asia and towards western New Guinea. It inhabits rainforests and has adapted to rural human habitations.
What is the tokay gecko's conservation status?
The tokay gecko is listed under Appendix II of CITES, meaning international trade is regulated. It is becoming a threatened species in some areas due to poaching for medicinal trade and the pet trade.
How long do tokay geckos live?
When well cared for, tokay geckos can live for a significant period, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years recorded in captivity.
Related Lizards
Gekko gecko
The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, nocturnal gecko native to Asia and some Pacific Islands, known for its striking blue-gray skin with red or orange spots and its distinctive "tokay" call. It inhabits rainforests and often adapts to human dwellings, preying on insects and small vertebrates. Despite its beauty, it is known for its aggressive nature and strong bite, making it less suitable for novice pet keepers.
Tokay gecko
The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, nocturnal, arboreal gecko native to Asia and some Pacific Islands, known for its striking blue-gray skin with red or orange spots and its loud, distinctive call. These territorial lizards inhabit rainforests and often adapt to human dwellings, where they hunt insects and small vertebrates. Despite their popularity in the pet trade, their aggressive nature and powerful bite make them unsuitable for inexperienced keepers.
Gecko gecko
The tokay gecko is a large, nocturnal, and arboreal lizard native to Asia and some Pacific Islands. It is known for its striking blue-gray skin with red or orange spots, its strong bite, and the distinctive "tokay" call made by males. These geckos inhabit rainforests and have adapted to human habitations, often found on walls and ceilings.