Kozhikode: In a landmark step to celebrate its rich natural heritage, Kozhikode has become the first district in Kerala to officially designate its own emblematic species across eight biodiversity categories—each chosen through a people-driven and science-backed process.

Athirani (Melastoma Malabathricum) has been named the official district flower, while the vividly coloured Meniponman or Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx Erithaca) has taken flight as the official bird. The elegant Malabar Rose (Pachliopta Pandiyana) is now the district butterfly, adding a splash of black and crimson to the list.

In the arboreal category, Eeyakam (Hopea Erosa) has been selected as the official district tree and Eenthu (Cycas Circinalis) has been recognised as the heritage tree for its ecological and cultural relevance. Representing aquatic life, the intelligent Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale Perspicillata) was named the official aquatic animal, while the elusive Pathala Poontharakan (Pangio Bhujia) was chosen as the district fish. Completing the list is Indian Pangolin (Manis Crassicaudata), now declared the official district animal.

The announcements were made during an online ceremony inaugurated by Forest Minister A K Saseendran on Saturday. According to a press release, this is the first such declaration in the state following a participatory biodiversity survey. The process involved extensive local consultations through Biodiversity Management Committees and expert evaluations to finalise the selections.

The initiative forms part of the 2024–25 Annual Plan of the Kozhikode District Panchayat and was implemented in collaboration with the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.