The elusive Indian golden gecko (Calodactylodes aureus) was recently spotted in the Seshachalam forest ranges near Kalyani Dam in Tirupati district. This rare reptile, native to the Eastern Ghats, was discovered by three wildlife photographers—’Birdman’ Karthik, I. Siddhartha, and L. Gopi—during their expedition in search of birds and reptiles. The sighting is particularly significant given the species’ limited distribution and the difficulty in observing it in the wild.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Karthik explained that the golden gecko is predominantly nocturnal, making daytime sightings uncommon. He also clarified a common misconception: the “golden” gecko is not always golden in color. “The gecko comes in different morphs, not just the familiar golden hue. Its skin is very light, which means it can’t tolerate heat well, so it’s typically found in cooler, shaded areas,” Karthik said.
Regarding the species’ conservation, Karthik noted that the Indian golden gecko is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, providing it the highest level of protection. Despite its elusive nature, the species is now considered fairly stable, with sightings reported in regions including Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, and Visakhapatnam.
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