A *BIG* lizard

Cambodia has lots of geckos, the small lizards that are part of every house, frightening intruders to the foreigners newly arrived but like old friends to the long-term experienced people. Then are the deuk-gaais, like this one pictured on a gate post. They are big, about 10 inches or 25 cms, and they are loud! Their cry is almost like the bark of a small dog: “DEUK-gaai, DEUK-gaai,…” repeated usually about 12 or 13 times in a decreasing volume. They’re pretty harmless, as far as I know, but they certainly make their presence known with their call, especially if one gets in the house. Usually, though, the deuk-gaais are outside.