BORNEO POST (Kuching, Malaysia) 09 January 11 Man falls to death when attempting to catch prized Gecko (Edwin Raoh)

Lubok Antu: In his quest to be an instant millionaire, an animal catcher fell to his death from a tree at Sungai Sebengit near here at about 9.30am on Thursday while attempting to trap a Borneon Gecko lizard.

The victim, known as Salek from Kanto Umpa, Indonesia, and a friend went to climb the tree which was believed to be a Gecko’s nest to trap the lizard for its high market value.

As they were climbing, the branch where the victim was standing broke and brought the victim down to his death. The Gecko, which was estimated to weigh about one kg, ran away.

The victim, an Iban, was brought home to his village in Indonesia by his relative.

Meanwhile, according to nearby villagers, the Borneon Gecko lizards fetch a high value in the market due to the belief that the reptile’s blood could heal AIDS patients.

The villagers also mentioned that two persons had caught the lizard previously only to release it later on, after being told that somebody dreamt that bad omens would befall them if they did not release their catch. Although reluctant, the duo eventually released their Gecko.

The dream also warned others from disturbing the lizard which nests at the tree.
Man falls to death when attempting to catch prized Gecko

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