The video below shows an perilous situation between a snake and 2 geckos. One of the geckos* has been attacked by the snake and is being held in a death grip by it's attacker. Another gecko is observing the situation and after recognizing that it is one of his own kind that is in danger from the snake, becomes concerned about it's welfare.
The gecko then appears to be studying the situation at first and moves closely to the other gecko. At first he considers trying to pull the other gecko out from behind but soon decides to move to the front of the snake and face him head on. The whole time it seems as though the gecko is trying to decide the best approach to freeing his buddy. The gecko then actually attacks the snake several times but fails to free the other gecko. In the last minutes of the video the gecko once again seems to study the snake and with one last determined attack, the snake in trying to defend itself, releases his grip on the captive gecko. It is an amazing demonstration of rescue performed by a reptile for it's "friend" or most likely one of it's kind.
*Geckos are unique among lizards in their vocalizations, making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos. Gekkonidae is the largest family of lizards, with over 2000 different species worldwide and many others likely yet to be discovered. The New Latin gekko and English gecko stem from the Malay gēkoq, which is imitative of the sound the animals make.
All geckos, excluding the Eublepharinae subfamily, have no eyelids and instead have a transparent membrane which they lick to clean. Many species will, in defense, expel a foul-smelling material and feces onto their aggressors. There are also many species that will drop their tails in defense, a process called autotomy. Many species are well known for their specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth and vertical surfaces, and even cross indoor ceilings with ease (one hypothesis explains the ability in terms of the van der Waals force). These antics are well-known to people who live in warm regions of the world, where several species of geckos make their home inside human habitations. These species (for example the House Gecko) become part of the indoor menagerie and are often welcome guests, as they feed on insects, including mosquitoes. Unlike most lizards, geckos are usually nocturnal and are great climbers. source: Wikipedia
The gecko then appears to be studying the situation at first and moves closely to the other gecko. At first he considers trying to pull the other gecko out from behind but soon decides to move to the front of the snake and face him head on. The whole time it seems as though the gecko is trying to decide the best approach to freeing his buddy. The gecko then actually attacks the snake several times but fails to free the other gecko. In the last minutes of the video the gecko once again seems to study the snake and with one last determined attack, the snake in trying to defend itself, releases his grip on the captive gecko. It is an amazing demonstration of rescue performed by a reptile for it's "friend" or most likely one of it's kind.
*Geckos are unique among lizards in their vocalizations, making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos. Gekkonidae is the largest family of lizards, with over 2000 different species worldwide and many others likely yet to be discovered. The New Latin gekko and English gecko stem from the Malay gēkoq, which is imitative of the sound the animals make.
All geckos, excluding the Eublepharinae subfamily, have no eyelids and instead have a transparent membrane which they lick to clean. Many species will, in defense, expel a foul-smelling material and feces onto their aggressors. There are also many species that will drop their tails in defense, a process called autotomy. Many species are well known for their specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth and vertical surfaces, and even cross indoor ceilings with ease (one hypothesis explains the ability in terms of the van der Waals force). These antics are well-known to people who live in warm regions of the world, where several species of geckos make their home inside human habitations. These species (for example the House Gecko) become part of the indoor menagerie and are often welcome guests, as they feed on insects, including mosquitoes. Unlike most lizards, geckos are usually nocturnal and are great climbers. source: Wikipedia
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