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.

 

Critical Minerals

India’s first auction of deep-sea blocks for the extraction of critical minerals has been delayed indefinitely after receiving a poor response from bidders. This auction was expected to be a
Share It

President's Rule

The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur has brought to the fore the historical and controversial use of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on how its imposition disr
Share It

Beggars' Homes in India

In M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court (SC) held that state-run beggars’ homes are not merely penal institutions or charitable endeavors but are instead constitutional tr
Share It

Public Distribution System (PDS)

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) has long been a cornerstone of food security, ensuring access to subsidised cereals for millions of people. However, a recent Crisil study using the &l
Share It

Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA)

The recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia, with significant implications for Indi
Share It

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement is facing significant challenges in adapting its controls to the rapid growth of cloud technology. This issue highlights the need to update its control lists and enforcem
Share It

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights a 9.2% increase in crimes against children in India, with 177,335 cases registered in total. This reflects a concerning rise in
Share It

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently made an important ruling regarding the doctrine of contributory negligence in criminal law. The court clarified that contributory negligence does not apply t
Share It

Perpetual Bonds

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) recently raised ₹453 crore at an interest rate of 7.70% per annum through its second issue of Perpetual Bonds. This move is part of the
Share It

Fake News

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in India has recently proposed several measures aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, acknowled
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS