A small hamlet somewhere in the Siang district is engaged in a new and lucrative business. The craze is such that many households are rearing a lizard species—the Tokay Gecko, for its rich economic dividends. However, wild life conservation officials appeared to be clueless about thriving illegal trade of an endangered species protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

‘What is it? Can you write down the spelling?’ said a top official of the PCCF office, Government of Arunachal Pradesh to this reporter.  I will get back after collecting more information, he added.

Reportedly, the lizard species is in great demand in South East Asian countries for its medicinal values. This illegal trade has been fuelled by unfounded claims of its medicinal properties which is said to cure various maladies like Diabetes, Asthma, Skin Ailment, Cancer including AIDS. ‘Poachers are raiding the forests of Arunachal and locals have realized that selling a bunch of these can make one a millionaire overnight. A mature Gecko can easily fetch up to Rs 2 to 3 Lakhs,’ said a local in East Siang on condition of anonymity.

Illegal trading is pandemic in this frontier state, not endemic to Siang districts. The allure of making quick bucks has driven many people especially poor and unemployed youths of several districts of Arunachal to become party to this illegal activity. Also, it is learnt that few senior officials are rearing this reptile in their backyard in the capital complex itself. The impoverished modus operandi in illegal trading of Gecko is startling. A person in one of the Siang districts told this reporter, the smugglers supply baby Geckos to the farmers to rear it in clandestine manner. Once fully grown, the smugglers buy back the reptile in exchange for huge sum of money running into lakhs a piece, he added on condition of anonymity.  

The Tokay Gecko is a rare nocturnal Asian Lizard growing up to 40cm in length and weighing up to 200gm. A male Tokay Gecko can grow up to a length of about 11-20 inches while a female grows to 7-9 inches. Tokay Gecko can live up to 18 years but average life span is calculated to be 7-8 years.

After North Eastern States like Assam and Manipur, Arunachal is fast catching on to this illegal trade. Neighbouring Tezpur in Assam is reportedly a hub of this illegal trade. 

Arunachal for long has prided itself for its bio-diversity, but the tremendous duress wildlife is facing is enough to destroy this heritage unless concerted efforts are made promptly.

Apart from prosecuting Gecko traders and smugglers, it is urgent for the Wildlife Board of the state to generate awareness to help in preservation of this reptile.