Tokay Gecko
Why in News?
Recently, 86 live Tokay Geckos were seized from two persons by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Bandar Chalia Gaon Ground, Mariani, Assam.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: It is the second or third-largest gecko species in the world, growing between 11 to 16 inches (28 to 40 cm) in length.
- Appearance: They feature a distinctive bluish-grey or fluorescent blue body covered in bright orange, red, or yellow spots.
- Eyes & Grip: They possess large, prominent eyes with vertical pupils. Their toe pads contain millions of microscopic hairs (setae) that use Van der Waals forces to stick to smooth, vertical surfaces and walk upside down.
- Powerful Bite: They are fast and possess remarkably strong, non-venomous jaws capable of delivering a severe bite that can draw blood if they feel threatened.
Habitat and Distribution
- Native Range: They are native to Northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and throughout Southeast Asia (including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia).
- Environment: They naturally inhabit tropical rainforests, tree hollows, and limestone cliffs.
- Adaptability: They adapt remarkably well to rural and urban human structures, frequently seen roaming walls and ceilings near lights to hunt insects.
Behaviour and Ecology
- Nocturnal & Solitary: They are strictly nocturnal hunters and solitary creatures, only interacting with the opposite sex during the breeding season.
- Vocalisation: They are named after their loud, distinct pre-mating or defensive call that sounds like "To-kay" or "Gek-ko".
- Defense Mechanism: Like many lizards, they exhibit autotomy—the ability to drop their tail when attacked. The detached tail wiggles violently for several minutes to distract predators while the gecko escapes. A new tail regenerates in about three weeks.
- Diet: They are primary insectivores, eating cockroaches, crickets, moths, mosquitoes, and locusts. Large individuals also prey on small rats, mice, and small snakes, acting as vital natural pest control.
Conservation and Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern (though local wild populations are rapidly declining due to overexploitation).
- CITES: Listed under Appendix-II, which strictly regulates its international commercial trade.
- Indian Wildlife Protection Act: It is afforded strict legal protection inside India to curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
