DENR warns gecko collectors and traders

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources warned the public to refrain from joining the bandwagon of people engaged in illegal collection and trade of geckos because of their belief that geckos have medicinal properties.

DENR regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said it is unlawful to collect and trade geckos because they are protected under the Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation Protection Act.

Dichoso said there is no scientific basis to reports that geckos are used to cure cancer, AIDS, asthma, tuberculosis and impotence.

With no scientific evidence to back up such claims, Dichoso cautioned the public against “jumping on the bandwagon for the sake of easy money”, amid reports that a 300-gram gecko has a minimum price of P50,000

Dichoso said that the law expressly provides that the collection, trade or transport of geckos without appropriate permits from the DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau is punishable by imprisonment ranging from two to four years and a fine of up to P300,000.

Dichoso directed all DENR field officers to be more vigilant and persistent in monitoring the collection, transport and trade of geckos and other wildlife species.

Dichoso also underscored the necessity of “maintaining a healthy population” of geckos as they help regulate the pest population. He said geckos play an important role in maintaining our fragile ecosystems.

Wildlife conservationists have been alarmed by the growing gecko trade. The supposedly lucrative business in other countries such as Malaysia has caused a decline in the local gecko population, driving traders and suppliers to source the reptiles from other countries such as Thailand and the Philippines. 

The PAWB lists 34 species of geckos distributed throughout the country, of which 26 are endemic. Dichoso added that at the Mactan airport, the Wildlife Section has confiscated a total of 15 heads of geckos which have been transported without appropriate permits.

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje earlier said that there is no scientific basis to reports that geckos can cure illnesses.

The statement came after reports in the Philippines and other Asian countries that geckos are being harvested and sold for their medicinal properties, particularly as aphrodisiac and as a cure for cancer, AIDS, asthma, tuberculosis and impotence.

Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, national director of AIDS-Free Philippines, said that the use of HIV/AIDS Anti Retroviral Therapy using cocktail drugs, which are very expensive, is still the one being used to prolong the life of those who are infected with the dreaded disease.

Bullecer said that researchers of the World Health Organization even denied the report that geckos can cure HIV/AIDS.  (FREEMAN)