For environmentalists and experts, a "colossal" business revolves around the tokay gecko. Commonly found in the forests of Southeast Asia, the lizard is now in gradual decline. Catching the reptile to use as a basic ingredient in drugs is "disproportionate". Its supposed benefits have never been scientifically demonstrated.

Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The survival of the Tokay Gecko is at risk because of its massive use in traditional Chinese medicine and its trade at home and abroad. Among the countries of the Association of South-East Asia Nations, the numbers of the arboreal lizard have been steadily decreasing, this according to the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC.

Calling the trade "colossal", TRAFFIC activists and environmentalists are now calling on authorities in the region to implement tougher regulations and limits on commerce involving the small lizard.

"The majority of Tokay Geckos consumed as part of this trade are harvested from the wild," said a new TRAFFIC study.

Despite high reproductive rates and adaptability, Tokay Gecko populations "are still susceptible to over-harvesting" and population declines have been reported in countries like Thailand and Indonesia.

The tokay gecko is a small reptile that lives in the jungle, mainly in trees, and is active at night when it hunts small insects. No more than 40 cm in length and 300 grams in weight, it is characterised by a brilliant coating of spots that range from bright yellow to red and by its loud croaking call. Present in Thailand, India and other nations of Southeast Asia, it sneaks into homes through cracks in search of food, but it is harmless to humans.

In some countries, like China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan there is a widespread belief (without any scientific basis) that these animals have therapeutic properties, including against deadly diseases such as HIV and cancer.

In addition, it is an ingredient in a number of traditional cures to treat asthma, diabetes and other ailments. However, environmentalists warn that the only feature these reptiles possess is that of maintaining the natural balance in the ecosystems in which they live, not that of healing the body affected by diseases or ailments.

In order to protect the species, environmentalists around the world want the authorities in individual countries to regulate the use of the reptile and put clear limits on its trade.

According to TRAFFIC's study, import data show that Taiwan alone imported 15 million geckos since 2004, a trend that is growing.

• china ecology environment
• nature conservation geckos exploitation