Aralam Renamed Kerala’s First Butterfly Sanctuary

The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the first butterfly sanctuary in the State. The decision reflects Kerala’s growing emphasis on species-specific conservation and recognises Aralam’s unique ecological significance as a major butterfly habitat.

Legal Notification and Administrative Change

The renaming was notified through SRO No. 1407/2025 under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This notification amends the original 1984 order that declared the Aralam Farm area as a wildlife sanctuary. The change follows a recommendation by the State Board for Wildlife, which highlighted the area’s exceptional butterfly diversity and sustained ecological value.

Geographical Setting and Ecological Importance

Declared a sanctuary in 1984, Aralam spans about 55 square kilometres of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in Kannur district. The sanctuary is known for large-scale butterfly migration and mud-puddling behaviour. It is also a special habitat for the Schedule I Slender Loris, underlining its broader conservation importance. Aralam shares boundaries with the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, the Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary, and the North Wayanad forest division.

Butterfly Diversity and Migration Records

Extensive butterfly surveys conducted over the past 25 years have documented remarkable diversity within Aralam. Of the 327 butterfly species recorded in Kerala, as many as 266 species have been identified in this sanctuary. Survey teams have reported dramatic mass migrations, including sightings of nearly 12,000 Common Albatross butterflies within five minutes and the movement of over eight lakh Albatross butterflies through the area on January 11, 2025. Other notable species recorded include Spotted Butterfly, Buddha Mayuri, Rosy, Thalir Neeli, Okila Butterfly, and Malabar Rose.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is Kerala’s first dedicated butterfly sanctuary.
• The renaming was notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Aralam hosts over 80% of butterfly species recorded in Kerala.
• The sanctuary is also a habitat of the Schedule I Slender Loris.

Conservation Focus and Habitat Features

The Cheenkanni river, originating from the Brahmagiri ranges, flows through the dense forests of Aralam and contributes to its rich habitat. The renaming aims to strengthen focused conservation efforts for protecting, propagating, and sustaining butterfly species in their natural environment, while enhancing ecological awareness and long-term biodiversity management in the region.