# Tokay Gecko

> Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko). The tokay gecko is a large mostly nocturnal tree gecko with a conspicuous call; a call need not reveal the animal's exact position.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gekko-gecko/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/gekko-gecko/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Tokay Gecko (*Gekko gecko*) is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, West Java, Central Java. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore), sometimes small vertebrates; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Gekko gecko* |
| Indonesian name | Tokek rumah |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Observation records | Bali, West Java, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 5,657 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2447367) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore), sometimes small vertebrates · [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/lizards/tokay_gecko.htm) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gekko&species=gecko) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · [Gekko gecko (Tokay gecko) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gekko_gecko/) |

## What is the Tokay Gecko?

Tokay Gecko refers to Gekko gecko, in the genus Gekko, family Gekkonidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2447367)

## What is known about the Tokay Gecko?

The tokay gecko is a large mostly nocturnal tree gecko with a conspicuous call; a call need not reveal the animal's exact position.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%20Tokay%20gecko)

## How many Indonesian records name the Tokay Gecko?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 5,657 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2447367&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Bali, West Java, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2447367&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Tokay Gecko?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Tokay Gecko with Double-spotted Gecko, Flat-tailed House Gecko, Asian House Gecko. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Tokay Gecko

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Genus | *Gekko* |
| Species | *Gekko gecko* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Tokay Gecko

### What is the scientific name of the Tokay Gecko?

The scientific name of the Tokay Gecko is *Gekko gecko*, in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesian it is called Tokek rumah.

### What kind of animal is the Tokay Gecko?

The Tokay Gecko is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore), sometimes small vertebrates.

### Where does the Tokay Gecko live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Tokay Gecko summarised in this guide mainly come from Bali, West Java, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Tokay Gecko eat?

The Tokay Gecko is a insect-eater (insectivore), sometimes small vertebrates. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/lizards/tokay_gecko.htm).

### How does the Tokay Gecko reproduce?

The Tokay Gecko reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gekko&species=gecko).

### Is the Tokay Gecko nocturnal?

The cited source records the Tokay Gecko as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [Gekko gecko (Tokay gecko) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gekko_gecko/).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Tokay Gecko?

Scientific classification of the Tokay Gecko: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Gekkonidae, genus *Gekko*, species *Gekko gecko*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Tokay Gecko endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Tokay Gecko is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2447367), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Tokay Gecko is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2447367)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2447367&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/34615)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%20Tokay%20gecko)
5. [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/lizards/tokay_gecko.htm)
6. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gekko&species=gecko)
7. [Gekko gecko (Tokay gecko) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gekko_gecko/)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Gecko: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/gecko/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Double-spotted Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gekko-monarchus/)
- [Flat-tailed House Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-platyurus/)
- [Asian House Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-frenatus/)
- [Common Four-clawed Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gehyra-mutilata/)
- [Marbled Bow-fingered Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/cyrtodactylus-marmoratus/)
- [Emerald Tree Skink](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lamprolepis-smaragdina/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Tokay Gecko. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gekko-gecko/