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Introduction
The description of a lizard that is 40cm long, has blue scales, orange spots, and large yellow-green or yellow-brown eyes, will likely sound like describing something out of children’s book. At least to those that are not familiar with its existence: the tokay gecko.
Description
As mentioned above, the tokay gecko’s signature appearance is its combination of blue scales with orange spots. The skin is soft, granular and feels similar to velvet. They have large, circular, reticulate-patterned eyes that range between greens, yellows, reds, oranges, or a combination of these colours. Their vertical pupils are typically restricted, often resembling a jagged line. Sizes appear to vary, though the usual for males ranges anywhere between 28cm – 51cm. Females are slightly smaller, coming out to about 18cm – 48cm. This makes the tokay gecko the second largest gecko in the world, with only the New Caledonian giant gecko being larger. Tokay gecko tails are long and can be thick, while their bodies have a flattened appearance to it. The feet have five thumb-like toes covered in millions of tiny microscopic hairs known as setae. In turn, the setae have their own microscopic hair-like structure that come off from their tips. These structures allow the gecko to adhere to a variety of hard surfaces. This includes going upside down on a ceiling.
Distribution
The tokay gecko can be found in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and throughout much of south and southeast Asia. This arboreal, nocturnal lizard prefers the humid rainforests and cliff habitats of these areas, but has also adapted to urban environments. It has been introduced to Florida, Texas, Hawaii, some Caribbean islands and Belize during the 1980s – 1990s period. It is considered an invasive species in these areas.
Behaviour
Being a nocturnal animal, the tokay gecko is most active during the nighttime. They are also very territorial and defensive, especially males. They are famous for lunging, biting and barking at anything that invades their personal space. For this reason, they are solitary creatures that live alone when it is not the mating season. The males make a sound that is described as “Tok-kay” or “Gek-ko” during the mating season. Both of these onomatopoeic descriptions are where the inspiration for its common name and Latin name came from. It should also be mentioned that American soldiers during the Vietnam War have nicknamed it the “F*** you lizard” due to what the vocalization sounded like to them. The tokay gecko is an opportunistic feeder that will eat whatever it can overpower. This is usually various insects and sometimes even small birds, mice and smaller lizards. The tokay gecko does not have many natural predators, aside from large poisonous snakes that dwell in the Asian rainforests. Aside from habitat destruction, traditional medicinal use and illegal captures are the biggest threat to its survival. Despite this, the species is not classified as endangered. Their numbers are high.
In Captivity
Due to their large size, feisty temperament, live food diet, and potential to close live to 20 years, they are not suitable for the inexperienced. A tokay gecko should only be kept by those who have spent adequate amounts of time learning about their husbandry.
For tank sizes, 37 litres should be the minimum for a single male. For a female and male being housed together, no less than 75 litres is to be used. Since they are arboreal, tanks should have enough branches, hides and decorations that allow them to climb or hide in. It should not be cluttered though, as it there needs to be enough space for them to chase their insects given to them. For substrate, they can be given newspaper, cypress mulch, orchid bark, coco peat or sphagnum moss.
A tank temperature of around 29 °C during the day, and 24 °C at night is ideal for them. There are a variety of heating materials that can be used: heat mats, heat ropes, halogen bulbs and red bulbs. It is recommended to use daylight heat bulbs in the morning, but not the night to avoid disrupting the sleep cycle of the lizard. Instead, red bulbs or ceramic bulbs should be used for heat, since they emit little to zero light. Having a thermostat is an absolute must to monitor the temperature.
A humidity gauge is required to make sure that it is kept between 60% – 80%. Too much humidity will breed harmful microorganisms. A breathable screen cover allows them to stay humid and comfortable.
Captive tokay geckos can be fed crickets, locusts, mealworms, or wax worms. Feeders should be either gut-loaded or dusted with calcium. If going the calcium route, this needs to be done at least once a week.
Tokay geckos are not difficult to breed. If a male and female are kept together, and are healthy and comfortable, they will breed corresponding to the wet season. This can be imitated in captivity by increasing the humidity and lighting period for an hour or two. Providing additional food and calcium is important, especially to make sure the female gets enough minerals for laying her eggs. Females will lay a clutch of two eggs at a time, with up to 3-4 clutches per year. The eggs typically hatch between 90-120 days. Eggs must not be removed from their surface, or they can be destroyed. It will also make the animal defensive.
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