The Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) is often heard before it is seen, making a loud “chuck, chuck, chuck” around lights in suburbia at night. They are non-native and invasive, competing for food with our native geckos and possibly carrying mites and diseases that could harm our native reptiles. They are listed as the most invasive reptile in the world.
A small group of CVCIA volunteers researched how much is known and being done in Australia last year. This is a tough one. At this stage, a few volunteers are interested in keeping an eye on the problem but there is no acceptable control method at this stage. If you would like to be involved in finding out more about Asian House Geckos and if there is anything we can do to help, please let Team Gecko know on geckos@cvcia.org.au. Here are a couple of links to kick you off and a photo to help with identification.
Asian House Gecko. Photo courtesy of ozwildlife.com.
- Queensland Government - Department of Primary Industry
- Queensland Museum Factsheet – Asian House Geckos
I do know these guys are in everywhere downtown Grafton (I hear and see them regularly when I return from toading) and there are not many people aware that they are not native. Go the CIA Gecko Team!!