Kannur: The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is set to be declared Kerala’s first official butterfly reserve. The announcement is expected to be made at the upcoming meeting of the State Wildlife Board, chaired by the Chief Minister. The move aims to elevate Aralam’s prominence on both national and international conservation maps.

This designation recognises Aralam as a vital haven for butterfly diversity and a step toward protecting their natural habitat. It is also seen as a boost for eco-tourism and nature education initiatives in the region.

A sanctuary of wings since 1984

Established in 1984, Aralam has long been a hotspot for butterfly enthusiasts. Since 2000, the Forest Department, in collaboration with the Malabar Natural History Society, has been conducting annual butterfly surveys here. In 2005, Aralam hosted the 'Butterfly India Meet'. Now, in the 25th year of these surveys, the sanctuary is poised to receive its new status.

Out of the 327 butterfly species documented in Kerala, 266 have been spotted in Aralam alone. Of these, 27 are endemic to the Western Ghats, and six are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 — marking them as critically important.

A seasonal spectacle

One of the sanctuary’s key attractions is the seasonal migration of Albatross butterflies during December, January and February. The migration of various Danaine species also adds to the sanctuary’s charm — making the butterfly reserve status a fitting tribute to Aralam’s vibrant, winged residents.