The endangered golden gecko is endemic to Vietnam and was discovered on Ba Den Mountain in the 1990s, after which it is named “Ba Den golden gecko”. However, its status in the wild remained unknown since its discovery. 
The present study, jointly carried out by scientists of the BfN, Cologne Zoo and the Vietnamese Academy for Science and Technology aimed to assess the potential impact of trade on the species. 

Using surveys within the natural habitat as well as interviews with local hunters, the scientists provided first comprehensive insights into the species abundance and population structure. The study further revealed that golden geckos are mainly collected for its use as a specialty food in local restaurants and to a much lesser extent for the international pet trade. According to local hunters, that catch geckos with baited noose-sticks or traps, the wild population has significantly decreased within recent years. 
Based on these findings, the European Union is currently evaluating, in consultation with Vietnam, whether the species would benefit from a regulation of international trade by a listing in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix II or III. The next CITES CoP (Conference of the Parties) that decides on which new species may be protected under CITES will be held in November 2025 in Uzbekistan.