Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary

Context

A comprehensive biodiversity assessment conducted in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary has resulted in the documentation of several fauna species not recorded earlier, reinforcing the ecological significance of the protected area.

Sanctuary Profile

• Youngest notified wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
• Established in 2020 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Falls within the Nilambur Forest Division of Malappuram district.
• Located along the western flank of the Nilgiri hill ranges.

Hydrological Association

• The sanctuary derives its name from the Karimpuzha River, which drains into the Chaliyar River.

Physiography & Ecosystems

• Landscape ranges from tropical lowland forests to high-altitude montane zones.
• Terrain marked by steep escarpments, narrow valleys, wetlands, grass patches, and undulating hillocks.
• Pronounced altitude variation enables diverse ecological niches.

Highlights of the Latest Survey

Avifaunal Additions

• Grey heron
• Grey-headed fish eagle
• Tawny-bellied babbler
• Blue rock thrush
• Yellow wagtail
• Eurasian hoopoe
• Common hawk cuckoo
• Barn owl

Lepidopteran (Butterfly) Records

• Black angle
• Common grass dart
• Indian dartlet
• Giant red-eye
• Moore’s ace
• Malabar flash
• White-tipped lineblue
• Red admiral
• Yellow jack sailor
• Small leopard
• Common sailor
• Black rajah
• Small grass yellow

Odonata Discoveries

• Odonata: Insect order comprising dragonflies and damselflies.
• Newly observed species:
  • Merogomphus tamaracherriensis
  • Potamarcha congener
  • Rhodothemis rufa
  • Tetrathemis platyptera
  • Urothemis signata
  • Ceriagrion coromandelianum
  • Ceriagrion rubiae

Notable Ecological Insight

• First documented instance of altitudinal movement of butterflies such as Common albatross, Lesser albatross, and Plain puffin.

Forest Units Included

• Amarambalam Reserve Forest
• Vadakkekotta Vested Forest

Special Provision

• The Manjeri settlement of the indigenous Cholanaikar community remains outside sanctuary boundaries.

Conservation Importance

• Serves as a vital ecological bridge between forest landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Landscape Linkages

• Adjoins Mukurthi National Park in the south.
• Connects with the buffer zone of Silent Valley National Park towards the northeast.

Source : The Hindu