Tokay Gecko

The Tokay Gecko(Gekko gecko) is the second largest gecko species in the world and can grow up to 40cm long(males). They are quite striking in appearance, with a bluish/green body, sporting spots that are orange/red in colour.

In Thailand they are sometimes called “uckoo” or “cuckoo” by the locals because of the sound they make. A territorial male intent on mating will start to call with a deep throated rumbling sound( a bit like a pneumatic drill) followed by a noise that sounds a  like a cuckoo(bird) repeated several times. Listen here.

The natural habitat of the Tokay Gecko is rainforest but the creatures have also adapted themselves to human habitation and are common house dwellers. Welcomed by most folk the Tokay will eat unwelcome visitors like scorpions and centipedes along with other small vertebrates and insects.

Here in Thailand I have several Tokay Gecko around my home including a fairly large male(photograph).  In the main they stay outside and frequent the roof space and eaves of my house.

But I wonder did you know that Tokay are a very sought after ingredient of Chinese medicine and for some time have been used to treat various ailments including coughs, kidney stones and sexual dysfunctions.  Recently research into the use of the dried gecko in the treatment of cancer has also been carried out and there are rumours emanating from Malaysia, that parts of the reptile are being used as a treatment for AIDS :

Tokay geckos are in high demand by the traditional medicine industry abroad as it is believed that the reptile’s tongue can cure AIDS. Some believe that its meat is also an aphrodisiac while its blood and bile suppresses tumors in cancer patients.

Despite the on going rumours of the medicinal cures of the gecko, Augustine Tuuga, the deputy director of Sabah Wildlife Department, was quoted in one news report saying that there is currently no scientific evidence to verify the claims.

The Malaysian Life

Meanwhile the Malaysian Star also reports about the high prices being paid for a mature Tokay Gecko:

“I passed the word around that I wanted sell my geckos, which measure about 30cm, and weigh 100gm and 128gm, to test the market response. I was very surprised when my handphone started ringing non-stop.

“I was offered hundreds to thousands of ringgit for the geckos. One man called to enquire about the size and told me that if my geckos weighed 350gm and above, he would pay me RM140,000.(GBP 29,000)

The Star and other news sources(Thai TV) state that Malaysian gecko hunters are also active in Southern Thailand where they are approaching locals with the hope of purchasing some Tokay.

As the supply is getting scarce in Malaysia, agents have started to head towards Thailand to source for fresh supplies. Just drive into border towns such as Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah and you can easily sport wildlife trappers and agents advertising the Tokay gecko for sale.

Footnote:

Recently a neighbour asked if he could come to my home to catch some Tokay Gecko that he wanted to sell.  This surprised me a little especially when he said he would give me 500 Baht for a large specimen.

Anyway since I am a wildlife lover I politely refused his request but set about finding out  about the trade in  Tokay Gecko in Thailand.

Hence today’s story.

Which, if the prices in the articles are correct,  leaves me thinking that my neighbour wasn’t so generous in his offer after all  for my male Tokay Gecko.

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