Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

Table of Contents

Context

The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, marking it as the first designated butterfly sanctuary in the state.
The order was issued under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It amends the original 1984 notification that had declared the Aralam Farm area as a wildlife sanctuary. The renaming was based on a recommendation of the State Board for Wildlife, which highlighted the region’s exceptional diversity and abundance of butterflies.

About Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

History:
- It was declared a sanctuary in 1984
Location:
- It is located in the state of Kerala.
- It shares boundaries with the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, the Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary, and the North Wayanad forest division.
- It is the northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala.
Flora (Vegetation):
- It consists of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
Fauna (Wildlife)
- It is home to over 266 species of butterflies, accounting for more than 80 percent of all butterflies in Kerala. Some of these are unique to this region, while others are endangered.
- The region is known for large-scale butterfly migration and mud-puddling and is also a special habitat of the Schedule 1 Slender loris.
- In addition to butterflies, Aralam is home to several animals, including elephants, giant squirrels, leopards, and a variety of birds.
- Every January or February, the sanctuary holds a Butterfly Migration Study, which celebrates this seasonal movement and deepens our understanding of these pollinators.
Drainage
- The Cheenkanni River, originating from the Brahmagiri ranges, flows through the dense forests of Aralam.

FAQs

1. What is the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is Kerala’s first officially designated butterfly sanctuary. It was previously known as the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Why was the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary renamed?

The Kerala government renamed it based on a recommendation by the State Board for Wildlife, due to its exceptional diversity and abundance of butterflies.

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