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Reptile · Calodactylodes aureus
Indian golden gecko
Protected under Indian law · I
A large gecko endemic to the Eastern Ghats that lives on boulder faces and in cave mouths, golden-yellow in males and unmistakable when seen on bare rock.
How to recognise it
Look at shaded rock overhangs and cave entrances in the evening. It lays eggs communally, so the same rock face often carries clusters of old white egg shells glued to the stone.
Protection
Schedule I (Part II), Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
Where to see it
Tirumala
It was rediscovered in the Tirumala hills in 1985–86 after a long gap and has since been reported across the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. It carries Schedule I protection, the highest level in Indian law.
Silathoranam · Talakona Waterfall (in season) · Tumburu Theertham