Head: Flattened, nearly triangular, covered with granular scales.
Eyes: Eyelids are a transparent membrane covering the eyeball (appearing eyeless), with vertical pupils.
Dorsal Surface: Many large tubercles (bumps).
Feet: Five-toed feet with claws (except the thumb), with expanded toes. The undersides of the toes have thin, horizontal lamellae that function as adhesive pads, allowing the animal to climb on vertical rock faces or ceilings.
Pre-Anal Pores: A distinct row of pore-bearing scales (pre-anal pores) is visible on the underside of each thigh in males. These pores are arranged in a V-shape, typically containing 9 to 19 pores. Females lack these pre-anal pores.
Coloration: Dorsal surface is light gray, with many light or yellow spots. The ventral surface is opaque white, sometimes with small yellow spots. The tail has alternating gray-black and light yellow bands, more pronounced in juveniles.
Biology and Ecology:
Habitat: In the wild, it lives in tree hollows and rock crevices. In human dwellings, it lives in crevices or wall recesses under roofs.
Diet: Insectivorous, feeding on insects from dusk to midnight.
Temperature Preference: Optimal temperature range: 24 – 31°C (75 – 88°F).
Reproduction: Mating season is in April, coinciding with increased vocalization by males. Females can lay 1-3 clutches per year; the second clutch is about one month after the first, and the third clutch is about 12 days after the second. Egg-laying typically occurs from May to July, sometimes extending into August. Two eggs are usually laid per clutch. The eggs have a calcareous shell that is initially soft and secretes an adhesive substance, firmly attaching the eggs to a substrate. Incubation lasts 81 to 85 days. Newly hatched geckos measure 84 – 106 mm in length and weigh 2.6 – 4.6 g. Geckos shed their skin 9-12 times per year.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Distributed in most midland and mountainous provinces, and even in some lowland areas throughout the country. Scientists have identified two gecko species in Vietnam: Gekko gecko and Gekko reevesii.
Global: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia.
Value:
Medicinal Use: Used in traditional medicine for treating coughs, nervous exhaustion, and lower back pain, and is also considered a tonic.
Historical Trade: Historically, geckos were exported to China in the 1960s when they were abundant in the wild.
Ecological Role: Geckos consume insects, providing benefits to forestry and agriculture.
Conservation Status:
Population Decline: Estimated to have experienced a population decline of approximately 20% in the past and present, along with habitat loss and degradation due to intensive hunting and illegal trade.
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU) A1 c,d.
Conservation Measures:
Prohibition of Hunting and Trade: Implementing regulations to ban hunting and trade.
Establishment of Captive Breeding Facilities: Establishing facilities for captive breeding of wild animals, including geckos.
Protection within Nature Reserves: Protecting geckos within natural reserves.
