Tokay Gecko, (click) are the largest geckos of India, the second largest in the world and are found in the north eastern parts of India.
Though classified as Least Concern in the IUCN red list, their survival has been seriously threatened in recent times due to indiscriminate poaching.
The poaching is fuelled by its demand in traditional medicines, especially in China, with some even claiming it to be the remedy for AIDS.
Depending on their size, a single specimen can even fetch up to Rs 80-100 lakhs. They are becoming so scarce that there are reports of even monitor lizards being dressed up with an attempt to pass them off as geckos!
But these guys have found safe havens for generations in the old colonial bungalows of tea estates and forest rest houses of the northeast.
They come out at night in significant numbers to keep other insects at bay.
Gear : Nikon D 7200, AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Shot: 1/60 sec., f/6.3, 210mm ISO 450
Location: Heritage Hollong Forest Rest House, Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal 🌏
#Jaldapara #nikon #d7200 #endemic #duar #forestresthouse
