The tokay gecko is a large, colourful gecko of Southeast Asia, known for its loud call and strong bite. It often lives in houses, where it eats insects.
Interesting facts
- Its loud ‘to-kay’ call gives it its name.
- It is one of the largest geckos in the world.
- It can walk up glass and hang upside down from ceilings.
- Tokay geckos have a powerful bite and hold on tightly.
- Millions are dried and traded each year for traditional medicine.
- Their blue-grey skin is covered with orange or red spots.
Behaviour
Tokays are nocturnal and territorial. Males call loudly at night to attract females and warn rivals.
Breeding and young
Females lay one or two hard-shelled eggs, which they glue to walls or tree bark. Both parents may guard them.
Threats and conservation
Collection for traditional medicine and the pet trade, and habitat loss.
Where to see it
- Houses and forests in Thailand
- Rural areas of the Philippines and Indonesia
- Villages in Assam, India
- Listen for their calls at night
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
