Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Hawaii (Oahu) and have been researching the various reptiles found on the island. Almost all reptiles here are "invasive" but they have established themselves. I have read many articles and documents that the Tokay gecko has been found through the years on various parts of Oahu, mainly Manoa. I know there are at least 8 types of geckos/lizards that are established here to include the Madagascar Giant Day gecko.

My question is, if I were to catch some Tokay's, would it be ok to keep them in an outdoor enclosure in my yard? I used to have a large enclosure for my Jackson Chameleon that would work well. I would take the mesh off and enclose it with plexiglass. I plan on leaving a couple sides open so the air will flow and the top would be half covered, allowing rain but still adequate shelter. Of course I would have plenty of shrubbery, hides, pvc pipe and more. I wouldn't be importing the Gecko or anything, just taking a wild caught Tokay and housing it. I know Hawaii has some crazy laws. The Jackson Chameleon is also an "invasive" species but people house and keep them lawfully.

Lastly, if it is "illegal" to keep Tokay's in my house, I could also catch a couple and release them in my yard. I have friends that see them on their homes. I live in Mililani Mauka and I know we have Jackson Chameleons and most likely Tokay's around. The climate is very humid, almost rainforest-like. The temps are usually 80-85 during the day and 65-75 at night. It rains daily, sometimes multiple times a day and their is plenty of basking sunlight. I don't want to mess up the ecosystem and would never do anything to cause harm to any animals, but I know this species is on island and established already.

One of my neighbors about 10 houses down caught a few Giant Day Geckos down the block and released them in his yard to take care of his roach problem. Another "invasive" species but still a species established in our area.

Any thoughts or advice is much appreciated!

Hello,

Most states do not have any restrictions on keeping invasive reptiles culled from the surrounding area. Only strict laws about releasing invasive captives into the wild. If you intend to keep it as a pet, than do not release it later.

Some states have a captive limit of lets say 3 to 6 native reptiles but most do not concern invasive reptiles.

Your outdoor enclosure should not allow too much air flow or direct sunlight that could artificially dry it out or bake it. Although Tokay will come out during the day upon occasion, they do not typically bask.

Tokay hail from the tropical Islands of Indonesia, Vietnam and other tropical rainforested countries. Your local weather should be perfect.

Tokay require good vertical hiding places in between slate, bark or other vertical nesting spaces like 1" cracks and crevices.

The other concern is coming up with enough insects since they will be limited to what might manage to crawl into the enclosure. You'll need to feed them often.

Frankly, If I had Tokay living in my neck of the forest, I'd want to catch and release a few around the house and provide inviting vertical nesting and hiding places to keep them happily around. Especially near an outdoor light that attracted lots of prey items at night. You'd get to see them often and not have to do any husbandry and feeding.

My winters are way too cold but I did build a pond that has brought in tree frogs, toads, skinks and a like for me to enjoy all summer long.