In every corner of the city, you can find these small friendly reptiles. The species poses a unique feature among fauna of the world. Geckoes possess a unique system of tiny hairs in their toes, which provides them with the ability to attach or detach to almost any surface instantly by creating or breaking some molecular attractions between the little hairs and that surface. The Chinese gecko (Gekko chinensis) is a relatively large nocturnal lizard that grows up to 18 centimeters from snout to tail. With a whitish-grayish coloration, its back is covered by a striking mottled pattern, morphing into a dark banded tail. It has a flattened broad head with huge round yellowish eyes. When you look at those eyes close enough, you will see in each of them an impressive vertical dented pupil that provides the animal with great night vision and therefore, an asset for hunting at night. The Chinese geckoes reproduce sexually and commonly lay two eggs each time during spring, from which little 5-cm-long lizards will emerge. They feed on multiple types of insects like ants, flies, mosquitoes and moths, and fall prey to bigger animals like snakes, birds or even other lizards. Chinese geckoes play a very important role in the dynamics of our urban ecosystems and it is our job to protect them and their environment. 2021.11.02 A Chinese gecko is seen crawling through fallen leaves in the Meilin Mountain in Futian District. | 