I thought I was being terribly discreet. One eye on the camp, one eye on the nearby footpath, and another eye on a suspiciously large beetle. Well, metaphorically speaking. Even I only have two eyes. The point is that I was busy gathering information when I was unexpectedly featured in a portrait session.

Since we are already chatting, allow me to share a few details about my distinguished species. I belong to a family of lizards known for our excellent climbing abilities. Those sharp claws are not just for decoration. They allow me to scramble up tree trunks and branches with surprising speed whenever curiosity or self-preservation demands it. Unlike some reptiles that spend their days motionless, I am constantly on the move, exploring territories, searching for food, and investigating anything unusual. If something changes in my environment, chances are I will be among the first to notice. My eyesight is remarkably good, which is fortunate because a successful gossip correspondent must pay attention to detail. Whether it is a moving insect, an approaching predator, or a safari guest attempting to sneak up on me, I usually spot it first. My kind has lived alongside humans for generations and we thrive in forests, gardens, campsites, and even village backyards, proving that adaptability is one of nature's greatest talents. Now, if you will excuse me, I have spotted a squirrel behaving rather suspiciously near the dining area. This could be a developing story, and I owe it to my readers to investigate!

The Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala attracts a remarkable variety of wildlife, from the famous residents of the national park to the smaller creatures that quietly go about their lives around camp. This Oriental Garden Lizard was photographed peering from behind a tree trunk, seemingly keeping watch over the day's activities. The image was captured by a Mahoora Naturalist, during a routine walk around the campsite.