When you think of Tokay geckos, you probably have visions of big, angry animals that bite people. But what are their characteristics? Territorial, solitary, and easy to handle, are all important factors to consider. Read on to learn more. Here are some facts you need to know about Tokays:
Territorial
Tokay Geckos are territorial and can inflict a sharp bite. They also lay one or two hard-shelled eggs, which they guard until they hatch. They are highly active after dark. Tokay geckos need a 20-gallon vertical tank, but larger enclosures are ideal. Since males are territorial, you may not want to keep more than one tokay in a single tank. However, it is possible to house multiple females in one large tank.
The males are known to be aggressive towards humans and other animals, especially larger geckos. Some studies have shown that male geckos are more aggressive than females. In the past, they have also eaten hatchling chicks in nest boxes. Geckos were introduced to aviaries to control pest insects, but their aggressive behavior made them a prime target for unwanted visitors. Territorial aggression in Tokay Geckos is a serious concern for birdkeepers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Solitary
Solitary Tokay Geckos are territorial and often aggressive. These animals live alone outside of their mating season and often roam around in walls and ceilings looking for prey. They feed on insect prey and may even eat smaller animals. Tokay geckos are nocturnal and can live in both urban and rural environments. They are sometimes used for pest control. You should not get one unless you are prepared for them to attack you.
Solitary Tokay Geckos are territorial and will attack anyone who threatens their habitat or the health of their young. Tokays emit a high-pitched hiss when threatened and may even lose its tail if it is necessary to defend itself. Solitary Tokay Geckos will only interact with members of the opposite sex when breeding. Solitary Tokay Geckos are known to attack humans, but this behavior is not common.
Bite tree snakes
Tokay geckos are known to be aggressive animals and can inflict a painful bite when they’re kept as pets. When threatened by predators, they can become agitated and aggressive, as was witnessed by Sawet Numpet when he recorded a Tokay gecko attacking a tree snake. After each attack, the snake continued to remain perched on its tree.
Tokay geckos are nocturnal predators, primarily feeding on insects. However, they can also feed on small mammals, including snakes. While not aggressive toward humans, they are great ambush predators and are sometimes used as pest control. In fact, some people have reported finding this reptile on their property and even in a building. However, you shouldn’t get too worried about the Tokay gecko biting you.
Easy to handle
Tokay geckos are easy to care for, although their bite can be painful. Because tokays have powerful jaws, handling them is relatively easy, but be sure to keep the tank clean. You can handle tokay geckos alone, or pair them up with a female. However, it is best to keep groups of tokay geckos together of the same gender. Fighting among tokays should be avoided. Tokay geckos are prone to several health problems, and you should learn all you can about proper care.
The best way to tame a tokay is to start by putting your hand into its tank. Once the gecko realizes that your hand is not its enemy, it will begin to sit on it. Repeat this process twenty or thirty minutes each day. After a couple of weeks, you will notice that tokay geckos have adapted to human contact and will no longer be scared of your presence.
Price
The Tokay Gecko is a unique animal, with a loud mating call. It is approximately eleven to twenty inches long, and weighs between 150 and 400 grams. The animal is found in many parts of south Asia, but it is becoming increasingly expensive, fetching prices from USD 25 to more than two million. The price tag for a single Tokay Gecko can be over $2 million! The trade of this animal takes place from the NE region of India through the Indo-Bhutan border, and into northern West Bengal. While the price range for a single Tokay Gecko varies, some environmental activists have suspected the animals may be used in medical research or for space research.
Unfortunately, the invasive nature of the Tokay Gecko has made them a lucrative industry, with a price tag of over a million pesos for a single Tokay Gecko. Besides causing pollution and deforestation, this species is also a potential cure for diseases such as cancer and aids. The dangers of this trade are real, and it can lead to extortion, blackmail, and even murder. In addition to the potential for crime, it is also a source of poverty, with poor workers often switching over to illegal trade to earn a quick buck.