Tokay Gecko

Tokay Gecko Latest News

Recently, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence intercepted two persons at Bandar Chalia Gaon Ground, Mariani, Assam and seized 86 live Tokay Geckos from them.

About Tokay Gecko

• The tokay gecko or gekko gecko is an arboreal lizard species.
• It is one of the largest gecko species.
• There are two variants of tokay geckos: a red-spotted and a black-spotted.
• Appearance: Its body is bluish-grey with bright orange, red, or yellow spots.
• Habitat: They live in tropical rainforests, rock crevices or manmade environments with a variety of microhabitats. 
• Distribution:  They are found across southeast and east Asia.

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Characteristics of Tokay Gecko

• Males are highly territorial and will defend their chosen area against other geckos and intruders.
• They are solitary, nocturnal hunters and are more likely to sit and wait for prey than to actively forage.
• They use their nostrils and tongues together to capture scent particles and transfer them to the Jacobson’s organ, allowing them to effectively “taste” the air.
• The tokay gecko can cast off its tail in defense, breaking it off at several sections.
• Communication: This species communicates vocally, using calls to find members of the opposite sex during the breeding season and as a means of defense. 
• Diet: They are carnivores (insectivores) that feed mainly on insects and small vertebrates. 

Conservation Status of Tokay Gecko

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• CITES: Appendix-II  
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Source: PIB