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.
Key Facts
- ›The Tokay gecko is one of the largest gecko species, reaching up to 40 cm in total length.
- ›Males are typically more brightly colored and slightly larger than females.
- ›They possess a loud, onomatopoeic call, which gives them their common name.
- ›Tokay geckos are known for their aggressive and territorial behavior, capable of inflicting a strong bite.
- ›They are culturally significant in many East Asian countries, often symbolizing good luck and fertility.
- ›This species is protected under Appendix II of CITES due to poaching for medicinal trade and the illegal wildlife trade.
Tokay, Tuko, Fuck-You Lizard
Northeastern India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, Western New Guinea, Florida, Martinique, Belize, Hawaii
- Large Nocturnal Gecko, Reaching A Total Length of 25–30 cm On Average, With Some Growing Up To 40 cm.
- Cylindrical But Somewhat Flattened Body Shape.
- Eyes Have Vertical Pupils.
- Skin Is Soft, 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 Two Visual Pigments: One 'Green' and One 'Blue' .
- Strong Climber With Foot Pads Capable of Supporting Body Weight On Vertical Surfaces.
- Robust Build With A Semiprehensile Tail, Large Head, and 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 and Females Form Temporary Family Groups When Breeding and Care For Young.
- Can Distinguish Mates and Offspring By Smell.
- Males Make A Loud Mating Call.
- When Threatened Or Alarmed, They 'Bark' and Open Their Mouth Defensively.
Poaching For Medicinal Trade, Illegal Wildlife Trade, Belief In Hiv Cure, Indiscriminate Hunting, Habitat Loss
About Tokay gecko
The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, striking nocturnal lizard native to Asia and some Pacific Islands, renowned for its vibrant coloration and distinctive vocalizations. This arboreal species typically inhabits rainforests, often adapting to human dwellings where it hunts insects and small vertebrates. Its appearance is characterized by a blue-gray skin adorned with red or orange spots, and it possesses the remarkable ability to alter its coloration for camouflage. Males are generally more brightly colored and slightly larger than females.
Behavior and Temperament
Tokay geckos are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, and they are capable of delivering a powerful bite. Males produce a loud, onomatopoeic call that gives the species its common name, often preceded by a cackling sound. When threatened, they may 'bark' as a defensive display. During breeding, pairs form temporary family units and exhibit parental care, distinguishing their own offspring by scent.
Diet and Habitat
Primarily an insectivore and carnivore, the Tokay gecko's diet includes a variety of insects and small vertebrates. In captivity, their diet is supplemented with items like mealworms, crickets, and even pink mice. They are well-adapted climbers, utilizing specialized foot pads to scale vertical surfaces. Their natural habitat includes rainforests, trees, and cliffs, but they are also frequently found on the walls and ceilings of human habitations.
Conservation and Human Interaction
The Tokay gecko holds cultural significance in many East Asian countries, often associated with good luck and fertility. However, this has also led to significant threats, including poaching for traditional medicinal purposes and the illegal wildlife trade. Intensified poaching occurred due to unfounded beliefs about their efficacy as an HIV cure. Consequently, the species is becoming endangered in some regions, and international trade is regulated under CITES Appendix II. Despite their challenging temperament, Tokay geckos are increasingly popular in the pet trade, with captive-bred individuals sometimes exhibiting less aggression than their wild-caught counterparts. Well-cared-for Tokay geckos can live for 15 to 20 years in captivity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Tokay gecko sound like?
The male Tokay gecko makes a loud, croaking call that is often described as sounding like 'token', 'gekk-gekk', or 'tuc-key'. This distinctive vocalization is so prominent that it gives the species its name.
What is the Tokay gecko's appearance?
Tokay geckos are large geckos with a blue-gray body covered in red or orange spots. They have a flattened, cylindrical shape, large heads, and muscular jaws. Their eyes have vertical pupils, and they can change their skin color to blend with their surroundings.
Where does the Tokay gecko live?
The Tokay gecko is native to tropical Asia, including northeastern India, Southeast Asia, and some Pacific Islands. They inhabit rainforests, living on trees and cliffs, and are also commonly found in rural human habitations.
Is the Tokay gecko dangerous to humans?
Tokay geckos are known for their aggressive temperament and can inflict a strong bite. Larger individuals are capable of piercing skin, which can result in significant bleeding. Due to this, they are considered ill-suited for inexperienced pet owners.
What do Tokay geckos eat?
Their diet consists primarily of insects and small vertebrates. In captivity, they are commonly fed springtails, mealworms, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, locusts, and pink mice.
What is the conservation status of the Tokay gecko?
The Tokay gecko is becoming a threatened species in some areas due to indiscriminate hunting for medicinal purposes and the illegal wildlife trade. It is protected under Appendix II of CITES, meaning international trade is regulated.
How long do Tokay geckos live?
When provided with good care, Tokay geckos can live for a considerable period. Their lifespan is typically between 15 to 20 years 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.
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.
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.