GECKO

Gecko species, which number 675 and are primarily found in the tropics, are known for their nocturnal habits and, more importantly, their climbing ability. Some have the typical claw and toe, but many have developed “friction” pads that allow them to scramble across an upside-down ceiling while climbing a vertical wall or a pane of glass. As long as the evenings are not too cold, they can dwell in forests, swamps, and deserts; on mountains; and on islands. They range in total length from 2 inches (5 cm) to over 1 foot (30 cm), with the majority measuring 3-6 inches (7:5–15 cm). The tail is about half the length.

Soft skin with minute scales covers their bodies, with bigger scales found in some species. On all or sections of their bodies, a few feature fish-like imbricating scales. Some of the scales on the underside of each toe in most species are specialised as broad pads at the base, tip, or all over the toe. Every microscopic bristle is broken into delicate branches, each culminating in a disk-like thickening with a slightly concave free face, resembling a miniature, densely packed pincushion. According to recent research, the multi-tendinous small terminal discs stick to surfaces by suction, but when this isn’t possible, the bristles behave like a swarm of miniature hooks. The gecko’s unusual wiggling gait is related to the fact that it must curl each toe upward from the front to detach the fringes without harming them in order to elevate its foot from the wall surface. As it runs, this must be done each time the toes are picked up.

Only geckos make vocalisations on a regular basis. Males of numerous species, most of which are nocturnal, make distinctive calls, such as “tsak-tsakk” or “tik-tik,” which are repeated a few times in succession. When captured, these male calls differ from the squeaking of any sex. The societal significance of these male calls is unknown. The tokay Gecko gecko of Southeast Asia has three distinct calls, all of which are dangerously loud. GENUS: Gekkonidae, ORDER:Squamata, CLASS: Reptilia. FAMILY: Gekkonidae, ORDER:Squamata, CLASS: Reptilia.