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.

 

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, completed a decade in 2025. Over this period, AMRUT has aimed to improve
Share It

India's Indigenous 5th-Generation Fighter Jet

India's defense sector has received a major boost with the approval of the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a project aimed at producing India’s own 5th-ge
Share It

Agroforestry

The Indian Government has recently issued Model Rules 2025 aimed at promoting agroforestry and regulating the felling of trees on agricultural land. These rules are designed to facilitate the deve
Share It

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance's Recommendations: ESG Oversight Body

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has proposed the creation of a dedicated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) oversight body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Share It

Quick Commerce

According to a report by consulting firm Kearney, India’s quick commerce sector is set to witness significant growth, but it's also creating shifts in consumer behavior. What is Quick
Share It

Asset Monetization Strategy

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has outlined a structured framework to monetize public assets and increase public-private participation (PPP) for the development of road infrastruct
Share It

India's Groundwater Contamination Crisis

India's groundwater is facing significant contamination issues, with over 600 million Indians depending on it daily. The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report from the Central Ground Water Bo
Share It

India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends

India's net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows witnessed a dramatic fall of 96% in FY25 compared to FY24, as per the RBI Bulletin (June 2025). This sharp decline in net FDI, despite a ris
Share It

Judicial Pendency Crisis in India

India's judiciary is grappling with an overwhelming backlog of over 5 crore cases, which has severely impacted the justice delivery system. This backlog spans across the Supreme Court, High Co
Share It

India’s Deep-Tech Drive

India stands at a strategic crossroads where technology is no longer just an enabler of development but a core instrument of national power. In his recent Independence Day address, the Prime Minis
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS