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Kerala Renames Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as State’s First Butterfly Sanctuary
The Kerala government renames Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary and officially declares it as Kerala’s first butterfly sanctuary due to its exceptional butterfly diversity. The sanctuary is in the news now for its recognition as a key habitat for migrating butterflies in the Western Ghats.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala’s First Butterfly Sanctuary) :
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Declared in | 1984 |
| Declared under | The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| Location | Kannur district, north Kerala |
| Physiography | Cheenkannipuzha River, originating from the Brahmagiri ranges, flows through the sanctuary |
| Vegetation | Comprises evergreen and semi-evergreen forests |
| Butterfly habitat | Serves as a habitat for migrating butterflies in the Western Ghats |
| Butterfly fauna | Common Albatross and Danaine species |
| Scientific name and subspecies | Scientific name: Appias albina; subspecies comprise Sahyadri Common Albatross (Appias albina swinhoei) and Sylhet Common Albatross (Appias albina darada) |
| Danaine species | Common Tiger (Danaus genutia) and Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) |
| Butterfly family association | Common Albatross belongs to family Pieridae (whites and yellows); Danaine species belongs to family Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies) |
| Protection status | Many species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| Other recorded butterfly species | Spotted Butterfly, Buddha Mayuri, Rosy, Thalir Neeli, Okila Butterfly, Malabar Rose |
| Other fauna | Habitat of the Schedule I Slender Loris |
| Slender Loris: key features | Small, nocturnal primate native to southern India and Sri Lanka; known for large eyes and slow, stealthy movement |
| Ecological significance | Supports exceptional butterfly diversity and mass migrations; plays a crucial role in sustaining pollination and forest ecosystem balance |
| Wildlife corridors / shared boundaries | Shares boundaries with Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka), Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary, and the North Wayanad forest division |