The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, marking it as the first butterfly sanctuary in the State. This decision underscores Kerala's increasing focus on species-specific conservation and acknowledges the unique ecological value of Aralam as a major butterfly habitat.
The renaming was formalized through SRO No. 1407/2025, enacted under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This notification amends the original 1984 declaration that designated the Aralam Farm area as a wildlife sanctuary. The change was prompted by a recommendation from the State Board for Wildlife, which emphasized the area's exceptional butterfly diversity and ecological significance.
Established as a sanctuary in 1984, Aralam encompasses approximately 55 square kilometers of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests located in Kannur district. The sanctuary is renowned for large-scale butterfly migration and mud-puddling behaviors. It also serves as a crucial habitat for the Schedule I Slender Loris, highlighting its broader conservation relevance.
Over the past 25 years, extensive butterfly surveys have revealed an impressive diversity within Aralam. Of the 327 butterfly species recorded in Kerala, 266 species have been documented in this sanctuary. Survey teams have reported extraordinary mass migrations, including nearly 12,000 Common Albatross butterflies observed within a span of five minutes, along with the movement of over eight lakh Albatross butterflies through the area on January 11, 2025. Other prominent species include Spotted Butterfly, Buddha Mayuri, Rosy, Thalir Neeli, Okila Butterfly, and Malabar Rose.
The Cheenkanni River, originating from the Brahmagiri ranges, flows through the dense forests of Aralam, enriching its habitat. The renaming aims to bolster targeted conservation efforts for protecting, propagating, and sustaining butterfly species within their natural environment, while fostering ecological awareness and long-term biodiversity management in the region.
Q1. What is the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?
Answer: The Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is Kerala's first dedicated butterfly sanctuary, established to highlight the conservation of butterfly species. It was officially renamed in 2025 to reflect its ecological significance.
Q2. Why was the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary renamed?
Answer: The renaming to Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary was made to emphasize species-specific conservation efforts and acknowledge the area's unique ecological importance for butterflies.
Q3. What types of butterflies are found in Aralam Sanctuary?
Answer: Aralam is home to over 266 species of butterflies, including the Common Albatross, Spotted Butterfly, and Malabar Rose, highlighting its rich biodiversity.
Q4. How does the Cheenkanni River contribute to Aralam's ecosystem?
Answer: The Cheenkanni River flows through Aralam, providing essential water resources that support the diverse flora and fauna within the sanctuary's rich habitat.
Q5. What is the importance of the Slender Loris in Aralam?
Answer: The Slender Loris, a Schedule I species, signifies the sanctuary's broader conservation goals, contributing to the ecological balance and diversity of the region.
Question 1: When was the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary established?
A) 1980
B) 1984
C) 1990
D) 1995
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What percentage of Kerala's butterfly species are found in Aralam?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 80%
D) 90%
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What river flows through the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?
A) Ganga
B) Cheenkanni
C) Brahmaputra
D) Godavari
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which Schedule I species is found in Aralam Sanctuary?
A) Tiger
B) Slender Loris
C) Elephant
D) Leopard
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
