Gekkonidae– Geckos

Gekkonidae, encompassing medium to small-sized lizards, including the ubiquitous house gecko, boasts over 100 million years of evolutionary success. These lizards are primarily nocturnal, making them masters of the night with eyes that are 350 times more sensitive to light than those of humans.

One remarkable feature of geckos is their ability to detach their tails when sensing danger deliberately. Although their tails serve no vital function besides storing food, shedding them enables geckos to escape predators by distracting them while the lizard makes a speedy getaway. The detached tail eventually regenerates, allowing the gecko to engage in this defensive strategy multiple times.

While geckos are generally welcomed into homes for their role in pest control, their devilish appearance and wall-crawling abilities, facilitated by adhesive pads on their feet, can sometimes unsettle people. Despite their eerie reputation, geckos are harmless to humans and pose no threat. However, if a gecko happens to fall into food, it is advisable to discard the contaminated meal, as lizards can carry certain pathogens that may cause illness if ingested.

In addition to their pest-controlling prowess, geckos contribute to ecosystem health by preying on insects and other small invertebrates, thereby helping to regulate populations and maintain ecological balance. Furthermore, their nocturnal habits and ability to thrive in a variety of habitats make them valuable indicators of environmental health and biodiversity.