The Tokay gecko (also known as the Gekko gecko) is a nocturnal arboreal gecko whose native habitat is the rain-forest trees and cliffs. Although Tokay geckos usually feed on insects such as crickets, cockroaches and grasshoppers, the Tokay geckos in captivity are also fed chicken liver to speed up its growth process. Villagers who are involved in this business say that although the Tokay gecko is difficult to find and capture, those who manage to find this illusive reptile can expect to sell it at a lucrative price while the current gecko market is still sizzling.Īs buyers are only interested in Tokay geckos weighing 300 grams and above, those possessing smaller Tokay geckos would rear the reptiles hoping to sell them once their weight exceeds 300 grams. Some believe that its meat is also an aphrodisiac while its blood and bile suppresses tumors in cancer patients.
Tokay geckos are in high demand by the traditional medicine industry abroad as it is believed that the reptile’s tongue can cure AIDS. While numerous tokay gecko species are sold as pets at nominal prices, the highly prized specie in demand for its medicinal value is the Tokay gecko. Just drive into border towns such as Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah and you can easily sport wildlife trappers and agents advertising the Tokay gecko for sale. Residents in northern towns of Peninsular Malaysia such as Pendang in Kedah and Balik Pulau in Penang have seen the gecko business grow into a cottage industry after news reports revealed that overseas buyers are willing to pay up to RM1 million for each Tokay Gecko.Īs the supply is getting scarce in Malaysia, agents have started to head towards Thailand to source for fresh supplies. In light of its high demand and high market value, catching and trading in Tokay geckos have become a lucrative side business especially for villagers in the Thailand, northern West Malaysian states and in East Malaysia.
The local market price for a Tokay Gecko above 300 grams is at least RM25000 in Malaysia.įolk who has a marketable sized Tokay gecko for sale will not have to wait long for serious buyers to make him an offer.
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