Daily News Analysis

India's First Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

stylish_lining

India's First Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

In a significant step towards biodiversity conservation, Kerala has established India’s first butterfly sanctuary, located in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur district, Kerala. This move reflects a focused effort on protecting butterfly species and raising awareness about their conservation.

Background

  • Established: The sanctuary was originally established in 1984 as the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Research & Surveys: Annual butterfly surveys have been conducted for over 20 years, in partnership with the Malabar Natural History Society.

    Butterfly Migration Study: A significant research and tourism activity, held every January or February, focusing on the migration of butterfly species in the sanctuary.

About Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

  • Location: Situated in Kannur district, Kerala, within the Western Ghats.

  • Area: Spanning 55 square kilometers of lush tropical and semi-evergreen forests.

  • River System: The Cheenkannipuzha River is the main drainage system of the sanctuary

Objectives

  • Protection of Habitat: Provide a protected space for butterflies and safeguard their migration corridors.

  • Awareness & Education: Raise public awareness about the importance of butterfly conservation.

  • Eco-Tourism & Research: Promote eco-tourism and scientific research, benefiting local communities and researchers.

Sanctuary Highlights

Feature

Details

Location

Aralam, Kannur district, Kerala, in the Western Ghats.

Area

55 square kilometres of tropical and semi-evergreen forests.

Butterfly Species Count

266+ species, representing over 80% of Kerala's butterfly diversity.

Rare Sightings

Includes the Common Albatross, Danaine species, and other endemic butterflies.

Seasonal Migration

Peak migration occurs December–February.

Biodiversity and Butterfly Species

  • Butterfly Species: The sanctuary is home to over 266 species of butterflies, which accounts for more than 80% of Kerala’s butterfly diversity. Some of these species are unique to the region, while others are endangered.

  • Migration Period: From October to February, the sanctuary experiences an incredible migration phenomenon, particularly of the Common Albatross butterfly. During this period, the sanctuary turns into a living rainbow as butterflies fill the air, fluttering amid tall trees, wild orchids, and flowers.

Conservation Significance

  • Protection: The sanctuary offers a safe haven for endangered and endemic butterfly species, ensuring their protection from habitat loss and other threats.

  • Scientific Discovery: The sanctuary remains a vital site for ongoing research, with new species still being identified.

  • Ecological Balance: Butterflies play a crucial role as pollinators, which are vital for maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

  • Funding & Policies: The renaming to a butterfly sanctuary strengthens conservation policies and enhances funding opportunities for wildlife protection.

 

Asiatic Wild Dog

Asiatic Wild Dog A new study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has confirmed the return of the dhole (Asiatic wild dog) to Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) in Assam, after being beli
Share It

Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri Chappals Kolhapuri Chappals are a traditional type of handcrafted leather footwear originating from Kolhapur, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra History and Origin Or
Share It

THAAD Missile System

THAAD Missile System The United States utilized 15-20% of its THAAD missile inventory during a recent 12-day conflict involving Israeli and U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities.This deployment
Share It

India's First Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

India's First Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary In a significant step towards biodiversity conservation, Kerala has established India’s first butterfly sanctuary, located in
Share It

Global Gender Gap Index 2025

Global Gender Gap Index 2025 India's slippage to 131st out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index marks a concerning setback in its pursuit of gender equality. While the country h
Share It

Financial Conditions Index (FCI)

India is set to enhance its financial monitoring system with the proposed creation of a Financial Conditions Index (FCI), aimed at providing a daily snapshot of the country's financial stability.
Share It

Hypersonic Missile

India's successful hypersonic missile test marks a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of advanced missile technology. India Tests It
Share It

India Successfully Tests K-4 Nuclear-Capable Missile

India Successfully Tests K-4 Nuclear-Capable Missile Overview of the Test: India has successfully test-fired the K-4, an indigenously developed nuclear-capable ballistic missile, from the
Share It

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute:

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute: The fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Bay has been a long-standing issue with a range of underlying causes and implications for both countrie
Share It

Ensuring Child Safety Online

Ensuring Child Safety Online Overview: In early February, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg publicly apologized to parents whose children had fallen victim to online predators during a Congressional hearing
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS