Trivia question for Nov-27-2011

Carter and Olivia hosted an event last year at the Fernbank Museum in Atlanta where they got to hold and learn about all types of these reptiles.  Lets see how how much he learned.  These guys have extremely sharp teeth and can inflict painful bites.  At 14-inches long, these guys are one of the largest and most common of their species.

These guys are quickly becoming a threatened species in The Philippines because of indiscriminate hunting. Collecting, transporting and trading without a license can be punishable by up to twelve years in jail and a fine of up to 1,000,000 pesos under Republic Act 9147 in addition to other applicable international laws. However, the trade runs unchecked due to the sheer number of illegal traders and reports of lucrative deals. Chinese buyers and other foreign nationals are rumored to pay thousands of dollars for large specimens, reportedly because of their alleged medicinal value or as commodities in the illegal wildlife trade. The Philippine government has issued a warning against using these guys to treat AIDS and impotence, saying the folkloric practice in parts of Asia may put patients at risk.

So here are Carter’s questions:  Tell us what this species is called and tell us how these guys can hang upside down, even on smooth glass without falling off?  Also, tell us why in some countries these guys are intentionally placed in homes?  Finally, tell us which one is capable of making noises, the males or the females?

Good Luck 😉

Answer:

Congratulations goes out to Bekki Waskovich from Altoona, Pennsylvania for being the first with the correct answer. The hearty gecko we featured is the Tokay Gecko. The Tokay Gecko is a nocturnal arboreal gecko, ranging from northeast India and Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia, Philippines to Indonesia and western New Guinea. Its native habitat is rain-forest trees and cliffs, and it also frequently adapts to rural human habitations, roaming walls and ceilings at night in search of insect prey.

In addition to claws, the gecko has expanded toe pads with up to 20 cross-ridges underneath.  These ridges have specialized bristles ending in tiny suction cups, which enable the gecko to climb smooth surfaces and even walk upside down across ceilings.

The Tokay gecko is believed to bring good luck to the house in inhabits and is often released to help control insects.  Only the male Tokay gecko is capable of making noise; the female is mute.  Here is more on these feisty gecko’s:  Tokay Gecko

Thanks for playing along 😉