Unlawful Capture of Geckos for Traditional Medicine in China: Recent Cases and Legal Implications | CBCGDF Calls for Actions
Geckos, those ubiquitous little creatures that silently aid in controlling mosquito populations, are not just common residents of our homes but are also recognized as important wildlife. Despite their ecological benefits, these reptiles are classified as "protected species" under Chinese law due to their economic and scientific value. Unlicensed capture of geckos is therefore illegal.
On August 19, 2024, reports emerged of a troubling case in Yueqiao Village, Lin Cai Town, Huaiyang District, Zhoukou City, Henan Province. Two men, identified as Lv Lai and Si Mouli, were apprehended by local police on August 14 for illegally trapping geckos. Armed with homemade sticky rods, the duo had captured a total of 44 geckos. The high market value of dried geckos, known in traditional Chinese medicine as "Tianlong," makes them a prime target for illegal exploitation.
Under Chinese law, specifically the "Wildlife Protection Law of the People's Republic of China," geckos fall into the category of "nationally protected beneficial or economically valuable terrestrial wildlife," also known as "Three Protected Animals." Unauthorized capture of such species is considered illegal.
The economic allure of geckos, particularly their use in traditional medicine for ailments such as wind-dampness and pain relief, has driven illegal hunting activities despite legal restrictions. Only geckos obtained through legal, artificial breeding can be used for medicinal purposes.
Recent years have witnessed numerous high-profile cases involving the illegal capture of geckos. For instance:
- 2015: In Yunnan Province, a man was caught using bright lights and hand tools to capture 16 large geckos within a national nature reserve. The geckos, classified as a second-level protected species, were handed over to a wildlife rescue station for rehabilitation.
- 2015: In Shandong Province, three individuals were detained for capturing over 1,000 geckos using homemade traps and selling them for profit.
- 2019: In Shandong Province, Zhao Guangchao, Zhou Jie, and Zhang Chunlai were caught using lighting equipment to trap 18 kilograms of geckos in restricted hunting areas. They were later sentenced to prison and fined for their illegal activities.
- 2021: In Nanyang, Henan, authorities intercepted a vehicle containing 490 geckos, leading to the detention of two men who admitted to illegal capture. The live geckos were subsequently released.
- 2022: In Qinyang, Henan, a man was apprehended for capturing 115 geckos during the night using lighting equipment in a no-hunting zone. He was charged under the Wildlife Protection Law.
- 2023: In Taiqian County, Henan, two men were found with 775 geckos after using specialized tools for illegal trapping. They were detained and charged with violating wildlife protection laws.
These cases underscore the ongoing conflict between economic incentives and wildlife conservation. While the high value of geckos in traditional medicine may drive individuals to violate laws, such actions threaten ecological balance and legal integrity.
China's gecko species, which are crucial to the ecosystem, face severe threats from habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and environmental pollution. According to the latest "List of Terrestrial Wildlife with Important Ecological, Scientific, or Social Value," the following gecko species are protected:
1. Asophylax pipiens
2. Asophylax przewalskii
3. Altiphylax stoliczkai
4. Cyrtodactylus cayuensis
5. Cyrtodactylus dianxiensis
6. Cyrtodactylus gulinqingensis
7. Cyrtodactylus hekouensis
8. Cyrtodactylus tibetanus
9. Cyrtodactylus wayakonei
10. Cyrtodactylus zhaoermii
11. Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis
12. Cyrtopodion medogense
13. Gehyra mutilata
14. Gekko adleri
15. Gekko auriverrucosus
16. Gekko bannaensis
17. Gekko cib
18. Gekko chinensis
19. Gekko guishanicus
20. Gekko hokouensis
21. Gekko japonicus
22. Gekko jinjiangensis
23. Gekko kikuchii
24. Gekkokwangsiensis
25. Gekko liboensis
26. Gekko melli
27. Gekko scabridus
28. Gekko similignum
29. Gekko subpalmatus
30. Gekko swinhonis
31. Gekko taibaiensis
32. Gekko wenxianensis
33. Hemidactylus aquilonius
34. Hemidactylus bowringii
35. Hemidactylus frenatus
36. Hemidactylus garnotii
37. Hemidactylus platyurus
38. Hemidactylus stejnegeri
39. Hemiphyllodactylus changningensis
40. Hemiphyllodactylus dupanglingensis
41. Hemiphyllodactylus dushanensis
42. Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis
43. Hemiphyllodactylus huishuiensis
44. Hemiphyllodactylus jinpingensis
45. Hemiphyllodactylus longlingensis
46. Hemiphyllodactylus typus
47. Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis
48. Hemiphyllodactylus zayuensis
49. Hemiphyllodactylus zhutangxiangensis
50. Lepidodactylus lugubris
51. Lepidodactylus yami
52. Mediodactylus russowii
53. Tenuidactylus elongatus
54. Tenuidactylus dadunensis
55. Teratoscincus przewalskii
It's worrisome that the illegal capture of geckos continues to be a significant issue, highlighting the tension between economic gains and wildlife conservation. Enforcement of wildlife protection laws and public awareness are crucial in preserving these vital species and ensuring ecological balance.
It is encouraging to see that an increasing number of law enforcement and judicial agencies are beginning to prioritize biodiversity protection. While many of the cases mentioned are from Henan and Shandong provinces, they also highlight the efforts of the judicial departments in these regions to advance enforcement of biodiversity conservation laws.
According to Linda Wong, the Deputy Secretary-General of CBCGDF, strengthening legal awareness is crucial in advancing the mainstreaming of biodiversity. In fact, these common geckos are so ordinary that many people are unaware they are protected species or that capturing them is illegal. In a country like China, which traditionally emphasizes adherence to the law, increased public understanding of biodiversity conservation laws and regulations would likely lead to greater compliance.
See original post in Chinese on OceanWetlands of CBCGDF Media:
<冤不冤？深夜猎捕44只壁虎，河南周口两男子被抓！盘点近年“非法捕猎壁虎案”>
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QFwu_ANfuZ7sw0Hvyf9lgw
Reported by Yihang Shen
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
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