LIZARDS OF LUCK … A pair of Tokay geckos lounging in a crevice at the Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary in Fatikchhari. Native to Southeast Asia and abundant in Bangladesh, these large, nocturnal reptiles are named for their distinctive "tokay" call, a loud sound heard in the evening. Tokay geckos are carnivorous, feeding on insects, small animals, and occasionally fruit. Their unique toe structure allows them to cling to walls and ceilings, making them excellent climbers. They thrive in tropical and subtropical habitats, often in trees or rocky areas. Solitary and territorial, males are particularly aggressive. In East Asian cultures, the Tokay gecko is seen as a symbol of good luck and fertility, with folklore attributing supernatural powers to it.

PHOTO: KAMOL DAS