GECKOS are small to medium sized lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae. There are 37 gecko species presently known and described from the Philippines of which about 75 percent are endemic to the country.

Most Philippine species of geckos are small in size as represented by the “butiki” which are closely associated with human habitations. There are at least four species commonly referred to as house geckos. These grow to at most 5 inches in length.

Geckos are the only lizards possessing a voice. The name “gecko” is derived from the loud vocalizations of the Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) which is widespread from India through Southeast Asia to New Guinea.

The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is among the largest living species of geckos in the world today. Large individuals of this species can grow to 15 inches in length and weight about 300 grams in the wild. Captive specimens can grow larger.

The Tokay Gecko is among the largest living species of geckos in the world today. Large individuals of this species can grow to 15 inches in length and weight about 300 grams in the wild. Captive specimens can grow larger. In the wild, the Gekko gecko is an arboreal or tree-dwelling species which feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates. Large individuals are also capable of preying on small birds and mammals. They are good pest control of a natural and man-made ecosystem.

At present, the Tokay Gecko is common throughout the Philippines in man-made and natural habitats and is not listed as a threatened species in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), nor the Philippine national list of threatened species.

The species is popular in the pet trade as pets because of their large size and colorful skin markings. They are also relatively easy to maintain and breed in captivity.

The recent increase in demand for geckos Asia-wide came with the news of its alleged potency to treat AIDS and other illnesses. Traditionally, dried, fried and powdered geckos have also been used as a cure-all for man’s ills from asthma to impotence. Large geckos can fetch up to P50,000 per individual in the lucrative illegal market. However, there is currently no medical basis for the Tokay Gecko as a cure for any type of ailment.

There are also currently no available estimates of Tokay Gecko populations in the wild, but with the rampant hunting and trade of geckos, if left unchecked, could push the species towards extinction.

The Tokay Gecko plays an important role in the web of life. It is an arboreal or tree-dwelling species which feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates which make them effective in pest control. Large individuals are also capable of preying on small birds and mammals; in turn, the species are also food for some snakes and birds of prey. They are good indicators of healthy environments.

The Philippine government is now actively enforcing national wildlife conservation and protection laws to curb the illegal trade on geckos at the same time spreading information to dispel the current belief that these lizards are a cure variety of illnesses and disorders.

There is no medical basis for the Tokay Gekko as cure-all for a variety of ailments. Geckos can be collected and bred in accordance with Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Act, particularly Sections 6 and 7:

Sec. 6. Wildlife Information. All activities, as subsequently manifested under this Chapter, shall be authorized by the Secretary upon proper evaluation of best available information or scientific data showing that the activity is, or for a purpose, not detrimental to the survival of the species or subspecies involved and/or their habitat. For this purpose, the Secretary shall regularly update wildlife information through research.

Sec. 7. Collection of Wildlife. Collection of wildlife may be allowed in accordance with Sec. 6 of this Act: Provided, That in the collection of wildlife, appropriate and acceptable wildlife collection techniques with least or no detrimental effects to the existing wildlife populations and their habitats shall, likewise, be required: Provided, further, That collection of wildlife by indigenous people may be allowed for traditional use and not primarily for trade: Provided, furthermore, That collection and utilization for said purpose shall not cover threatened species: Provided, finally, That Sec. 23 of this Act shall govern the collection of threatened species.

Haribon believes that the precautionary principle should be applied in gecko collection for the species’ protection and conservation, in recognition of its importance in maintaining ecological balance.

The precautionary approach states that “where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such a threat (Preamble, Convention on Biological Diversity).”

The Wildlife Act should be strictly enforced, a viable population of geckos should be ensured, Key Biodiversity Areas for the species should be identified and protected, and the Forest Resources Bill and other relevant pending bills in Congress should be immediately passed, all to ensure that present and future generations of Filipinos will continue to appreciate and benefit from our natural resources.

Haribon supports limited captive breeding of the Tokay Gekko for bio-medical and/or research purposes. The data available from this will provide information on the behavior and ecology of the species, as well as provide scientific proof if it has pharmaceutical importance to cure ailments. Moreover, there should be information dissemination about the importance of the species and strict enforcement of the issuance of permits to prevent over-harvesting of the species. The necessary government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources should provide permits for captive breeding.