**Tirupati, India** — In a rare and significant discovery, the endangered Indian golden gecko (*Calodactylodes aureus*) was recently spotted in the Seshachalam forest range near Kalyani Dam in the Tirupati district. The gecko, which is native to the Eastern Ghats and known for its elusive nature, was observed by a team of wildlife photographers, including Karthik, popularly known as ‘Birdman,’ along with I. Siddhartha and L. Gopi, during an expedition aimed at documenting local birds and reptiles.This sighting holds particular importaAnce due to the gecko’s limited distribution and the challenges involved in spotting it in its natural habitat. Karthik explained that the Indian golden gecko is primarily nocturnal, making daytime sightings exceptionally rare. “Contrary to popular belief, the ‘Golden’ gecko doesn’t always appear golden,” Karthik said. “It has different morphs, and its skin is very light, making it sensitive to heat, which is why we often find them in cooler, shaded areas.”The Indian golden gecko is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, granting it the highest level of legal protection. Despite its endangered status, Karthik noted that the population appears relatively stable, with recent sightings reported not only in Tirupati but also in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.”Though they are difficult to spot due to their nocturnal habits and tendency to hide in rock crevices, the species is now considered fairly robust,” Karthik added.The sighting in the Seshachalam range highlights the region’s rich biodiversity and underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts for endangered species like the Indian golden gecko.