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India's First Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

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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.

 

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