Geckos used in 'space study' fetch astronomical prices
GUWAHATI: Illegal trade in the tokay gecko, a rare lizard often used in traditional Chinese medicine, is now fetching an even higher price on the international market. The reason? These lizards are proving valuable in space study, police sources say.
Forest officials said the demand for these lizards has gone up as scientists want to replicate the unique adhesive quality of its feet.
The tokay gecko is a nocturnal Asian lizard growing up to 40cm in length and weighing up to 200gm. It is in great demand in some Asian countries for its reported medicinal values.
Two smugglers from the state were caught in Bihar's Kisanganj district on Monday while trying to smuggle a couple of these lizards to Nepal.
Sources said, "There are reports that several groups have been selling these reptiles to research groups working in the field of space study. The adhesive quality of the lizards' feet have interested scientists."
"If the adhesive substance in the feet of these lizards is replicated or produced, it can help capture free-floating uncontrollable space debris which threatens expensive spacecraft and satellites," sources added.
Mostly found in the northeast, geckos are listed in Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as a 'highly endangered animal'.
The entire stretch from the northeast to the India-Nepal border has seen rising illegal trade in the reptiles.
Forest officials said the demand for these lizards has gone up as scientists want to replicate the unique adhesive quality of its feet.
The tokay gecko is a nocturnal Asian lizard growing up to 40cm in length and weighing up to 200gm. It is in great demand in some Asian countries for its reported medicinal values.
Two smugglers from the state were caught in Bihar's Kisanganj district on Monday while trying to smuggle a couple of these lizards to Nepal.
Sources said, "There are reports that several groups have been selling these reptiles to research groups working in the field of space study. The adhesive quality of the lizards' feet have interested scientists."
"If the adhesive substance in the feet of these lizards is replicated or produced, it can help capture free-floating uncontrollable space debris which threatens expensive spacecraft and satellites," sources added.
Mostly found in the northeast, geckos are listed in Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as a 'highly endangered animal'.
The entire stretch from the northeast to the India-Nepal border has seen rising illegal trade in the reptiles.
Comments
Post a Comment