Geckos are a diverse group of lizards known for their distinctive appearance and often nocturnal habits. Unlike many other lizards, a notable characteristic of many gecko species is their ability to vocalize. While not all geckos are vocal, a significant number produce a variety of sounds.
The Sounds Geckos Make
Geckos produce a range of sounds, varying in pitch, duration, and intensity, which can include chirps, clicks, barks, squeaks, and trills. Chirping is a common vocalization, often described as soft and high-pitched, similar to a cricket’s sound. These chirps can be a series of rapid notes. Clicking sounds, which can resemble the sound of tongs or castanets, are made by rapid jaw movements. Some geckos also produce barks, which can be loud and distinctive, while squeaks are often high-pitched and can indicate distress, and trills.
Why Geckos Vocalize
Gecko vocalizations serve various purposes, primarily for communication within their species. One of the main reasons geckos make noise is to attract mates. Male geckos often use specific calls during breeding season to signal their presence and attract females. The loudness and frequency of these calls can convey information about the male’s size and health, influencing female choice.
Geckos also vocalize to establish and defend their territory. Territorial calls, which can sound like barks or growls, warn off other geckos that might be encroaching on their space, potentially preventing physical confrontations. Geckos use sounds to express distress or fear. High-pitched squeaks or screams can be alarm calls, alerting other geckos to potential danger, such as the presence of a predator.
Species-Specific Vocalizations and Pet Geckos
The extent of vocalization varies significantly among different gecko species. The Tokay gecko, for instance, is known for its loud and distinctive “tok-kay, tok-kay” calls. Male Tokay geckos use this call to attract females and mark their territory, and females may produce a higher-pitched “tek-tek-tek” sound.
In contrast, Leopard geckos are generally quieter pets, though they do vocalize. They can produce sounds like hissing, chirping, clicking, barking, and screaming. Chirping and squeaking often indicate happiness or contentment, while clicking can signal excitement. Hissing usually indicates defensiveness or stress, and screaming is a sign of extreme fear or pain.
Crested geckos also chirp when content or exploring and may hiss when stressed or startled. For pet owners, understanding these species-specific sounds helps in interpreting their gecko’s mood and needs.