A female Tokay Gecko was seized by the Gelegphu forest range office on Friday from the Tshachu caretaker’s house. The lizard is sought after as it is said to cure HIV, cancer and impotency. However, no scientific study has been carried out to establish it.
The caretaker will be fined Nu.100,000. According to a circular from the wild life conservation division, just the “attempt” to capture the lizard carries a penality of Nu.50,000. The lizard was brought about 10 days ago from Bangtar in Samdrup Jongkhar. it had laid three eggs while in captivity.
Illegal trade in Tokey Gecko has become rampant in South Asia over the years but this is the first case to be reported in Bhutan.
