Gekko gecko (Linnaeus, 1758)

Taxonomic Identity

The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko (Linnaeus, 1758)) is a large nocturnal gecko.

Size

On average, it reaches a total length including tail of 25–30 cm (10–12 inches), though some individuals grow as large as 40 cm (16 inches) long.

Species Size Ranking

It is believed to be the third-largest gecko species, ranking after the giant leaf-tail gecko (Uroplatus giganteus) and New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus).

Body and Eye Morphology

Its body is cylindrical but somewhat flattened in shape, and its eyes have vertical pupils.

Skin Characteristics and Coloration

Its skin is soft to the touch, generally blue-gray with red or orange spots and speckles, and the gecko can change its skin color to blend into its environment.

Sexual Dimorphism

The species displays sexual dimorphism: males are more brightly colored and slightly larger than females.

Visual Pigments

Tokay geckos have two visual pigments: a "green" pigment with a λmax at 521 nm, and a "blue" pigment at 467 nm.

Climbing Ability

It is a strong climber, with foot pads that can support the full weight of its body on a vertical surface for long periods of time.

Additional Morphological Features

Compared to other gecko species, the tokay gecko has a robust build, with a semiprehensile tail, a large head, and muscular jaws.

Native Range

This species is native to northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, all of Southeast Asia including Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and western New Guinea.

Native Habitat

Its native habitat is rainforests, where it lives on trees and cliffs.

Habitat Adaptation and Diet

It frequently adapts to rural human habitations, roaming walls and ceilings at night to search for insect prey.

Introduced Range Status

Tokay geckos are an introduced species in some areas outside their native range.

Established Introduced Populations

Established introduced populations exist in Florida in the United States, Martinique, and the islands of Belize, with possible established populations in Hawaii.

Native Range Threat

Increasing urbanization is reducing the species' native range.

Taiwan Population Status

It remains unclear whether tokay geckos are native but very uncommon in Taiwan, or if the rare individual reports recorded since the 1920s come from repeated human-caused translocations that may or may not have resulted in established populations to date.