DENR goes after gecko traders in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol said it would track down people collecting geckos locally known as “tuko,” following reports of widespread trading of this type of lizards here.

DENR regional executive director Joselin Marcus Fragada said reports on the rampant illegal trade of geckos (Gekkonidae) are now being investigated.

“DENR field offices are now monitoring suspected collectors or traders of geckos in the region,” he said.

He said reports reaching the DENR showed the animals were being sold at exorbitant prices and used for gaming, while there are also speculations that they are being used for medicinal purposes.

The reports added that geckos were openly advertised through the Internet with some Chinese and Korean nationals buying 500 grams or 17-inch long geckos at P100,000 to P300,000.

Fragada cautioned the public that the Wildlife Act considers the gecko as part of wildlife species and provides penalties for their hunting, transport and trade.

Geckos, whose sizes range from 1.6 centimeters to 60 cm., are unique among lizards in the sounds they make in interacting with other geckos, said Milita Aberca, technical staff of the Parks and Wildlife Division of DENR-Bicol.

The Gekkonidae is the largest family of lizards with over 2,000 different species worldwide and many others yet to be discovered, said Aberca.

Fragada urged the public to be vigilant and to report individuals involved in illegal gecko trading to the nearest DENR offices.

Republic Act No. 9147 said the collection of wildlife species such as the gecko requires a permit from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

Special permits from DENR regional offices are also required to safeguard and regulate wildlife trading as well as the natural population of the said species.

She said penalties for collecting, hunting and trading of the geckos depend on the type of species:

Critically endangered species—2- to 4-year imprisonment and a fine of P30,000 to P300,000.

Endangered species—1- to 2-year prison term with a fine of P20,000 to P200,000.

Vulnerable species—6 months to 1 year prison term with a fine of P10,000 to P100,000.

Threatened species—1-month to 6-month prison term with a fine of P5,000 to P50,000.