LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The illegal trading of tokay gecko, a nocturnal arboreal geck locally known as “tuko,” has now reached this province after shaking up Mindanao the past several months because of foreigners buying the animal for up to P100,000 apiece.
Youngsters and farmers in Calasiao, San Carlos, Urbiztondo and nearby municipalities are now engaged in hunting for tokay gecko in coconut plantations where they mostly frequent.
Recently, Pangasinan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Leduina Co. said that her office has been monitoring reports on illegal trading of tuko in this province.
Earlier, DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Ernesto Adobo Jr. ordered DENR provincial offices nationwide to monitor the activity and forbid its hunting and sale.
Rumors spread that the tokay gecko is being hunted for its medicinal value and may be a possible cure for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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