Kerala Declares Aralam as First Butterfly Sanctuary

Context

The Government of Kerala has notified the renaming of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, marking the establishment of Kerala’s first dedicated butterfly sanctuary.

New Identity: A specialised protected landscape within the Western Ghats focused primarily on the conservation of butterfly diversity and associated ecosystems.

Geographical Setting: Located in Kannur district along the western flank of the Western Ghats; shares boundaries with Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka and lies adjacent to Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Evolution of Status

• Establishment: Declared a sanctuary in 1984 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Previous Classification: Functioned earlier as Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, created from reserved forests and vested private forest lands.
• Recent Notification: Renamed during 2025–26 following State Board for Wildlife approval due to extraordinary butterfly richness.

Physical Characteristics: Covers around 55 sq km dominated by evergreen and semi-evergreen forest formations.

Water System: The Cheenkanni River and its tributaries form the primary drainage network of the sanctuary.

Climatic Conditions: Very high annual rainfall (about 4000–6000 mm), temperature variation between 11°C and 40°C, and persistently humid conditions.

Faunal Importance

• Records 266 out of 327 butterfly species found in Kerala.
• Known site for seasonal butterfly congregations and mud-puddling behaviour.
• Supports populations of Schedule I Slender Loris and other Western Ghats endemic fauna.

Why It Matters

• Pioneers insect-centric conservation with special emphasis on pollinators.
• Reinforces butterflies as bio-indicators of ecological stability.
• Promotes nature education and sustainable eco-tourism.
• Strengthens long-term conservation of the Western Ghats global biodiversity hotspot.

Source : The Hindu