Réunion, a French overseas department known for its rich biodiversity, is home to many unique customs intertwined with nature protection. Among these, an unusual household practice has captured local imagination: the reputed protection of geckos living indoors. According to local lore, harming or killing a gecko inside a home is strongly discouraged and considered bad luck. This belief stems from the islanders' respect for native wildlife and their role in controlling insect populations naturally. Though not codified in formal legislation, this custom reflects a wider cultural attitude emphasizing coexistence with nature, particularly in residential spaces where wildlife and humans intersect. Visitors might find it curious that inhabitants calmly tolerate these small reptiles as silent partners in household pest control. While official laws explicitly protect Réunion’s flora and fauna on a larger scale, this household-level practice belongs more to local tradition than to legal statutes. Whether the gecko truly enjoys informal sanctuary or the story has grown through generations remains uncertain, yet it offers a fascinating glimpse into how nature and culture interweave in everyday Réunion life.
Source / verification note
Based on local customs and cultural observations; no formal law found.