Tokay

Description:

The Tokay Gecko is the second largest Gecko species, attaining lengths of about 11–20 inches for males, and 7–19 inches for females, with weights of only 150–400g. They are distinctive in appearance, with a bluish or grayish body, sporting spots ranging from light yellow to bright red. The male is more brightly colored than the female. They have large eyes with a vertical slit pupil. Eyes are brown to greenish brown and can be orange or yellow.

Habitat:

Its native habitat is rainforest trees and cliffs, and it also frequently adapts to rural human habitations, roaming walls and ceilings at night in search of insect prey. Increasing urbanization is reducing its range. In the late 1980s and early 1990s it was introduced into Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Belize, and several Caribbean islands, where it can be considered an invasive species.

Notes:

I shared a room for one night with a friend in Cat Tien National Park, near the visitors centre. There was a large hanging tapestry on the wall. I lifted it and spotted this tokay underneath. I put it back like I didn't see anything and got my camera. I lifted it again when I was ready and snapped off this shot before it took off. The spotting marks the last of my new spottings from Vietnam from the winter of 2012.