Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Species

Why in News?

Recently, the Kerala government renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in recognition of its exceptional butterfly diversity.

About – Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is officially declared as Kerala's first butterfly sanctuary.
Declared in – 1984.
Declared Under - The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The sanctuary serves as a habitat for migrating butterflies in the Western Ghats.
Location – Situated in Kannur district, north Kerala.
River – The Cheenkannipuzha River, originating from the Brahmagiri ranges, flows through the sanctuary.
Vegetation – The sanctuary is composed of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
Fauna – The sanctuary hosts a vast number of butterfly species, including Common Albatross and Danaine species.

Common Albatross	Danaine species
Its scientific name is Appias albina. Its subspecies are Sahyadri Common Albatross. (Appias albina swinhoei) Sylhet Common Albatross (Appias albina darada)	The Danaine species includes species such as Common Tiger (Danaus genutia), Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus).
It belongs to the family Pieridae, i.e., whites and yellows.	It belongs to the family Nymphalidae, i.e., brush-footed butterflies.
Fewer protected species compared to Nymphalidae.	Many species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Slender Loris is a small, nocturnal primate native to southern India and Sri Lanka, known for its large eyes and slow, stealthy movement.

Other species – Spotted Butterfly, Buddha Mayuri, Rosy, Thalir Neeli, Okila Butterfly, and Malabar Rose were also recorded.
Ecological Significance – It supports exceptional butterfly diversity and mass migrations, playing a crucial role in sustaining pollination and forest ecosystem balance.
Wildlife corridors– The sanctuary shares boundaries with Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka), Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary, and the North Wayanad forest division.

Reference

The Hindu | Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary