Government warns public vs trading gecko

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Ramon Paje asked the public to refrain from joining the illegal collection and trade of geckos, which are mistakenly bought for their supposed medicinal properties.

Instead of poaching geckos, known locally as "tuko" -- named after the sound it makes, the public should help in busting the illicit sale and transport of this animal, which is protected under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection law, Paje said.

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Geckos are reportedly being harvested and sold for their medicinal properties, particularly as aphrodisiac and as a cure for cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (Aids), asthma, tuberculosis and impotence.

The supposedly lucrative business in other countries, like Malaysia, has caused a decline in the local gecko population, driving traders and suppliers to source the reptiles from other countries such as Thailand and the Philippines.

Paje said he received reports that a 300-gram gecko has a minimum price of P50,000 as offenders might face imprisonment ranging from two to four years, and a fine of up to P300,000 for the illegal transaction.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-attached Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) had said it did not issue any permits legalizing the sale and/or breeding of geckos for commercial purposes, nor for their collection from the wild.

The PAWB lists 34 species of geckos distributed throughout the country, of which 26 are endemic.

Geckos are carnivorous, usually nocturnal, reptiles that can be found in tropical countries, and are known for their sticky feet that allow them to climb vertical surfaces, including glass.

They are also known to be the only reptiles to use their voice for social interaction.

Geckos likewise help regulate the pest population as they feed on insects and worms.

"Larger species hunt small birds and rodents, while still other species feed on plant matter such as mosses. They play an important role in maintaining our fragile ecosystems," Paje said. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)