Quick Take
- Most lizards are virtually silent, which makes it puzzling that one gecko species has a vocal apparatus powerful enough to rival a barking dog. Explore gecko vocal power →
- That snoring sound isn't random noise. It's a calculated signal, and what it's communicating might surprise you. Discover what the sound signals →
- The gecko's name is literally derived from the sound it makes, and once you hear it, you will never forget why. Hear the Tokay gecko's name →
- Watch closely in the video and you'll catch the exact physical moment the sound is born. It's more visible than you'd expect.
When we think of geckos, we don’t typically think of how they communicate. It’s not often that you see geckos make sounds, so when they do, it can be a strange experience. This Instagram post by @puregoldgeckos shows a gecko making some sort of call, almost similar to snoring. Many viewers were left curious about what it means. Read here to learn more.
Tokay geckos are among the loudest and most vocal geckos out there, an uncommon trait for lizards.
©A-Z Animals
Gecko Calls
Geckos aren’t typically known to be vocal animals, but surprisingly, they make a wide array of sounds. While most lizards don’t make many sounds, geckos can be heard producing chirps, clicks, squeaks, and barks. Some species are louder than others, like the Tokay gecko in the video above, which is among the loudest of them all. These geckos get their name from the sound they make, which literally sounds like “to-kay.” Tokay geckos are native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of India. They have the ability to make these noises due to a strong vocal apparatus. While most lizards’ vocal structures are not highly developed, Tokay geckos are able to produce sound by creating vibrations in their throat. In the video, you can see the gecko quickly inflate and deflate as it pushes air to create the vibration.
There are a few reasons why Tokay geckos, or geckos in general, make different sounds. One of the most common reasons is to attract females. Mating calls, as in other animals, are a way for male geckos to advertise themselves to potential mates. A strong and loud call signals good health and often attracts females. Another reason is to mark territory. To help avoid overlapping territories and prevent potential fights, Tokay geckos will call out to indicate that the area is occupied. The last main reason is to warn and intimidate potential predators. Their barks and growls, while tiny, are a last-ditch effort to avoid being attacked by predators.
