Gecko Photo from WikipediaIts been a year already since I first heard about the news regarding geckos being a cure for AIDS, cancer, asthma, tuberculosis and many other diseases. Though there was no scientific study made to prove that these claims were true, many people especially in countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines, have made their business in trading geckos for a huge amount of money. And surprisingly, the amount ranges from P30,000 up to a staggering P20 million pesos! Depending on the size and weight of a gecko. People everywhere are frantic in trying to hunt geckos and sell it. Strangely, many interested party are actually advertising in websites about buying geckos for a very unreasonable price! Prices offered that you can't resist to accept!What are Geckos?
Geckos or "tuko" in our native Filipino language, are lizards that belongs to the family Gekkonidae. These reptiles are most commonly found in tropical or warm regions of the world. Most geckos are found in countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. Geckos are also commonly and naturally found in residential houses because these wall crawlers mostly feeds on insects like cockroaches, moths and termites.
Claims
News about geckos' saliva as a cure for AIDS had erupted. Though no scientific experiments and research were made to justify these allegations, many people had actually believed that these are true.
Wildlife Issues
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are now enforcing and warning the public in engaging in illegal collection and trading of geckos despite the reports on it being a cure to AIDS, cancer, asthma, tuberculosis and impotence. The law attests that the collection, trading and transporting of geckos without any permit from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), under DENR, is punishable by imprisonment of up to four years and a fine of up to P300,000. Another P100,000 will be charged on the violator if the reptile dies during capture or in the process of capturing.
The Philippines is one of the richest country in terms of natural resources and wildlife. The gecko species listed by the PAWB in the country are 26, out of 34. People in neighboring countries like Malaysia are enticing Filipinos for this high profitable business in trading geckos. Wildlife conservationists are now alarmed for the possibility of geckos in the Philippines becoming an endangered specie in the future.
Sources: www.philstar.com. Simply click here to see article.
