Context

• The Government of Kerala has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kannur district, as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India’s first dedicated butterfly sanctuary.

Key Highlights

• Notification:The official name change was notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Reason:To conserve the high diversity of butterfly species and protect and promote their natural habitats.
• Butterfly Diversity:Around 266 butterfly species are found here, accounting for over 80% of Kerala’s total butterfly diversity.
• Endemic Species:27 species are endemic to the Western Ghats.
• Legal Protection:Six butterfly species recorded in Aralam are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Historical Status:The area was originally declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1984.
• Global Significance:Part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
• Impact:Strengthens biodiversity conservation, promotes environmental education and eco-tourism, and encourages community participation in butterfly conservation.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

• Northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala
• Location: Kannur district, Kerala
• Established: 1984
• Area: Approximately 55 sq km
• Physiography:Part of the Western Ghats, Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
• Biodiversity:Rich floral and faunal diversity, Especially famous for its abundance of butterflies
• River:The Cheenkanni River, originating from the Brahmagiri ranges, flows through the sanctuary and enhances habitat richness.
• Butterfly Species:More than 266 species, over 80% of Kerala’s butterfly diversity.
• Wildlife:Elephant, Gaur (Indian bison), Sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Langur, Occasional sightings of Tiger and Leopard, Habitat of the rare Slender Loris

Major Attractions

• Katti Betta Peak:Highest peak in the sanctuary at 1,145 metres.
• Meenmutty Waterfall:Located inside the sanctuary; popular among trekkers.
• River System:Cheenkannipuzha River forms the main drainage system.

Butterfly (General Information)

• Scientific Classification:Butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera, which includes both butterflies and moths.
• Global Diversity:Around 18,500+ butterfly species worldwide.

Life Cycle (Metamorphosis)

1. Egg: Female lays eggs on plant leaves.
2. Larva / Caterpillar: Feeds on leaves and grows rapidly.
3. Pupa / Chrysalis: Transformation occurs inside a hard covering.
4. Adult Butterfly: Emerges with fully developed wings.

Body Structure

• Three main body parts: Head, Thorax, Abdomen
• Six legs and two antennae
• Wings covered with thousands of tiny colored scales, giving butterflies their vibrant appearance.

Ecological Importance

• Pollination:Assist in pollination by moving pollen between flowers.
• Food Chain:Important food source for birds, reptiles, and other insects.
• Environmental Indicators:Presence of butterflies indicates a healthy ecosystem.

Some Major Butterflies of India

• Southern Birdwing – Largest butterfly of India
• Grass Jewel – One of the smallest butterflies
• Common Jezebel – Brightly colored and commonly seen in gardens

Major Butterfly Conservation Areas and Parks in India

• Bannerghatta Biological Park (Karnataka):India’s first butterfly conservation park (2006).
• Sikkim Butterfly Sanctuary Park (Sikkim):Known for high butterfly diversity due to unique geography.
• Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary (New Delhi):Butterfly park with trails and wildflower habitats.
• Tropical Butterfly Conservatory (Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu):Located near Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
• Butterfly Conservatory of Goa (Goa):Popular Western Ghats butterfly habitat.
• Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Garden (Thane, Maharashtra):Famous private butterfly garden near Mumbai.
• Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary (Kerala):Recently upgraded; a crucial butterfly migration and conservation site in the Western Ghats.