Tokay gecko
Scientific name: Gekko gecko
IUCN listed as: Least Concern
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Diet
Tokay geckos are carnivorous and primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They consume a variety of prey, including crickets, beetles, and moths, as well as small vertebrates like mice and other small lizards. Their diet helps control insect populations, making them beneficial to the ecosystem. Tokay geckos use their strong jaws to capture and consume prey, which is crucial for their growth and health. Their nocturnal hunting habits allow them to take advantage of the abundance of nighttime insects.
Tokay geckos eat insects like crickets, beetles, and moths. They also eat small animals like mice and other lizards. Eating these helps keep insect numbers down. They hunt at night when there are lots of bugs.
Breeding
Tokay geckos breed year-round in tropical climates, with females laying clutches of 1-2 eggs. The eggs are often attached to surfaces like tree trunks or rocks. After about 60-90 days of incubation, the eggs hatch into fully-formed miniature geckos. Both parents may guard the eggs to protect them from predators. This continuous reproduction helps maintain their population levels.
Tokay geckos can have babies all year in warm places. The mother lays 1-2 eggs on surfaces like trees or rocks. The eggs hatch in about 2-3 months into small geckos. Parents guard the eggs to keep them safe.
Habitat
Tokay geckos are native to Southeast Asia and are commonly found in rainforests, cliffs, and human dwellings. They thrive in warm, humid environments with plenty of vertical surfaces for climbing. These habitats provide ample food and shelter. Habitat destruction and collection for the pet trade pose threats to their populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats and regulating the pet trade.
Tokay geckos live in Southeast Asia in rainforests, on cliffs, and in buildings. They like warm, humid places with lots of climbing spots. These areas give them food and shelter. Protecting their homes and controlling the pet trade is important for their survival.
At the zoo
In zoos, Tokay geckos are kept in enclosures that replicate their natural habitats, complete with plenty of hiding spots and climbing structures. They are fed a diet similar to their wild diet, including various insects and small vertebrates. Zoos help educate the public about these geckos and their ecological role. Breeding programs in zoos help maintain healthy populations and support conservation efforts. Observing Tokay geckos in captivity provides insights into their behaviour and lifestyle.
In zoos, Tokay geckos live in homes that look like their natural habitat. They eat insects and small animals just like in the wild. Zoos teach people about these geckos and help protect them. Watching them in zoos helps us learn about their lives.
Behaviour
Tokay geckos are known for their loud, distinctive calls, which are often heard at night. They are territorial and can be aggressive towards intruders. These geckos are excellent climbers, using their adhesive toe pads to navigate vertical surfaces. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day hiding and coming out at night to hunt. Their behaviour is adapted to their arboreal and nocturnal lifestyle.
Tokay geckos make loud calls, especially at night. They are territorial and can be aggressive to protect their space. They are great climbers with sticky toes for climbing walls. They are active at night, hiding during the day and hunting at night.
Fun facts
- Loud Calls: Known for their distinctive “tokay” calls at night.
- Strong Jaws: Have powerful jaws for catching prey.
- Adhesive Pads: Use sticky toe pads to climb vertical surfaces.
- Territorial Nature: Can be aggressive to protect their territory.
- Nocturnal Hunters: Primarily active at night.
- Noisy Geckos: Make loud “tokay” calls at night.
- Strong Bite: Have strong jaws to catch food.
- Sticky Toes: Use sticky toes to climb walls.
- Territory Protectors: Can be aggressive to guard their space.
- Night Hunters: Active at night to hunt.
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