Thrissur (Kerala): The annual fauna census in the Vazhachal forest region, one of the biodiversity hotspots of the Western Ghats, has documented 26 new species, highlighting the ecological richness of the forest landscape.

The biodiversity survey was organised by the Kerala Forest Department in collaboration with the Travancore Natural History Society. The study covered 14 camps across the forest stretch from Malakkappara to Chalakudy, bringing together around 50 wildlife experts and an equal number of forest department personnel.

Researchers conducted the survey across diverse habitats, including dry deciduous forests and evergreen forests, examining multiple groups of fauna such as butterflies, birds, flies, cicada and ants.

Rich butterfly diversity documented

Butterflies were among the most prominent findings in the survey. A total of 175 butterfly species were recorded in the Vazhachal forest area, with 13 species documented in the region for the first time.

Newly recorded species include Red Spot Duke, Acute Sunbeam, Hampson’s Hedge Blue, White Tipped Line Blue, Common Tinsel and Sahyadri Purplespotted Flitter.

Researchers also observed large-scale migration of Dark Cerulean butterflies across forest patches. Large groups of Blue Tiger and Dark Blue Tiger butterflies were also recorded during the census.

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Bird Census records 187 species

Bird diversity was another major highlight of the study. Researchers recorded 187 bird species, including 10 species newly documented in the Vazhachal region.

New bird records include Black Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Black Baza, Greater Spotted Eagle, Large Hawk-cuckoo, Copper-bellied Sholakili and Tree Pipit.

The presence of species such as the Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Grey-bellied Cuckoo and Blue-eared Kingfisher indicates a healthy and balanced forest ecosystem, according to researchers.

A diverse insect population despite the dry season

Despite the ongoing dry season, the census identified 45 species of insects, including several newly recorded species such as the Wind-swept Thrush, Green-winged Thrush, and Nattumulavalan.

The survey also documented 30 species of ants, 33 species of spiders and six species of beetles, demonstrating the rich micro-faunal diversity of the Vazhachal forest landscape.

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Important wildlife corridor in the Southern Western Ghats

Researchers also confirmed the continued presence of large mammals such as the tiger, leopard, and herds of Asian elephants, reinforcing the importance of the Vazhachal forests as a critical wildlife corridor in the southern Western Ghats.

The survey was inaugurated by Vazhachal Divisional Forest Officer Suresh Babu. The study was coordinated by forest officials, including Charpa Range Officer V B Akhil, Vazhachal Range Officer C Sumesh, Sholayar Range Officer Albin Antony and Athirappilly Range Officer T Raghu Lal.

The findings were compiled by researchers, including Dr Kalesh Sadashivan, Vinayan P Nair and V M Anila, providing new insights into the biodiversity and conservation significance of the Vazhachal forest region.