What large nocturnal gecko from Asia is known for its loud 'tokay' call?

The large nocturnal Asian gecko famous for its loud “tokay” call is the tokay gecko, Gekko gecko. Its name is an onomatopoeia based on the repeated call, often rendered as “tokay,” “tuk-kay,” or “gek-kek.”

Tokay geckos are native across tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, from northeastern India and Bangladesh through Southeast Asia and toward western New Guinea. They are strong climbers that hunt insects and small vertebrates on tree trunks, cliffs, walls, and ceilings after dark. Their blue-gray bodies, orange or red spots, large heads, and muscular jaws make them easy to distinguish from smaller house geckos.

The call is chiefly associated with males and serves in territorial and reproductive communication. Despite their striking appearance, tokay geckos are not always easy pets: wild-caught individuals can be defensive, and their powerful bite can break skin. The common house gecko also calls at night, but its chirps are much smaller and less famously loud.